Now 76ers Fall Victim to Wesley Three-Pointer

David Wesley made a three-point shot with 5.9 seconds to play Saturday night to lift the Charlotte Hornets to an 86-85 victory over Philadelphia at Charlotte, N.C., ending the 76ers’ winning streak at six games.

It was the second consecutive game in which Wesley made a winning last-minute three.

“I’ve never had a history of being the guy who takes the last shot,” Wesley said. “But I’ve developed it this year and I’ve gained a confidence in taking those shots.”

Allen Iverson scored 47 points for Philadelphia, passing the 40-point mark for the 14th time this season and for the sixth time in his last 11 games.

But he faltered late, especially in the waning moments as Charlotte won the game with two three-pointers in the final minute.

The 76ers took a timeout after Wesley’s shot to draw up the last play. The ball went to Iverson, who was double-teamed by Eddie Robinson and Baron Davis as he tried to drive into the lane.

Davis stripped the ball from him and took off toward the other end of the court as Iverson looked on helplessly and the game clock expired.

It was one of the rare times the Hornets stopped Iverson.

“I got the ball, I turn around and [Davis] just runs through me and takes the ball--a play like that I thought I was going to get the call,” Iverson said. “Even with the no-call it’s my fault because I’m supposed to make that shot.”

Iverson was Philadelphia’s only player in double figures. Dikembe Mutombo, acquired Thursday in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, had seven points and nine rebounds in 35 minutes.

Miami 75, New Jersey 70--Eddie Jones made two free throws with 5.2 seconds left, helping the Heat end a three-game losing streak with a victory at Miami.

Johnny Newman led the Nets with 17 points. Stephon Marbury, who twisted an ankle in the second quarter, was held to 10 points.

Toronto 106, Washington 99--Vince Carter, one night after playing 63 minutes in a triple-overtime loss to Sacramento, scored 19 points for the Raptors at Washington.

Christian Laettner, acquired Thursday from the Dallas Mavericks, had 18 points and five rebounds in his debut with the Wizards.

San Antonio 107, Dallas 104--Tim Duncan scored 31 points, including four of five free throws in the final 1:23, and had 13 rebounds, as the Spurs rallied for the victory at Dallas after squandering a 15-point lead.

Steve Nash led Dallas with 29 points. Juwan Howard had 12 points and seven rebounds in 35 minutes in his Maverick debut.

Chicago 90, Vancouver 75--Elton Brand scored 22 points and had 12 rebounds, and Ron Artest had 19 points and a career-high eight steals for the Bulls at Chicago.

The victory was Chicago’s ninth of the season, meaning the Bulls can do no worse than tie the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers for fewest wins ever. The 76ers went 9-73, and the Bulls still have two months to add to their victory total.

Mike Bibby finished with 17 assists for Vancouver. Erick Strickland led the Grizzlies with 15 points.

Denver 85, Atlanta 82--Nick Van Exel scored eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, including two free throws in the final 34 seconds, to lift the Nuggets at Denver.

Antonio McDyess added 19 points and 15 rebounds as Denver ended a four-game losing streak.