Coleman Leads 76ers to Eighth Win in a Row

Derrick Coleman made his first major contribution this season, helping the Philadelphia 76ers extend their winning streak to eight games.

Coleman, who sat out the first 10 games after having knee surgery, made a three-point basket with 1:10 left and scored a season-high 20 points to lead the 76ers over the Boston Celtics, 99-93, Wednesday night at Philadelphia.

Coleman came into the game averaging 6.4 points and having scored in double figures only once in eight games.

“Having him back is nothing but a plus,” said Allen Iverson, who had 27 points. “It’s more than his basketball skills. The most important thing about having Derrick back is his leadership. He understands what you have to do to win basketball games.”

Coleman’s three-pointer capped a 9-0 run and gave Philadelphia a 97-92 lead.

Dallas 103, Portland 88 -- Dirk Nowitzki had 26 points and 15 rebounds at Portland, Ore., and the Mavericks won their third in a row to improve the league’s best record to 17-1.

Rasheed Wallace scored a season-high 34 points for the Trail Blazers. Ruben Patterson, playing in his first game since prosecutors decided not to pursue felony domestic abuse charges against him, had four points.

Sacramento 92, Denver 90 -- Chris Webber had 31 points and 11 rebounds, and Vlade Divac had 16 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Kings at Denver.

Sacramento, which had only eight players in uniform, has won four in a row and 10 of 11.

Indiana 114, Seattle 111 -- Jamaal Tinsley made a three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Pacers a five-point lead at Seattle.

Gary Payton had a season-high 40 points.

Cleveland 111, Chicago 101 -- Rookie Dajuan Wagner scored 29 points to help the host Cavaliers end a losing streak at 15 .

Rookie Carlos Boozer and Ricky Davis each scored 26 points for the Cavaliers, who won for the first time since a home-opening victory over the Lakers on Nov. 5.

Washington 88, Detroit 83 -- Jerry Stackhouse and Michael Jordan combined for 16 points in the fourth quarter in Stackhouse’s first regular-season appearance at Auburn Hills, Mich., since being traded by the Pistons.

Stackhouse and Jordan each scored eight points in the fourth quarter, and each finished with 21 points.

Orlando 87, New York 85 -- Mike Miller scored 23 points, and Grant Hill had 16 points and 15 rebounds at New York to help end the Knicks’ three-game winning streak.

Orlando played without Tracy McGrady, who suited up but did not play after injuring his right ankle in a loss to Boston Monday

New Orleans 89, Toronto 74 -- Baron Davis returned from a two-game absence because of a back injury to score 18 points and the Hornets improved to 10-0 at home.

Vince Carter scored 26 points for Toronto, which shot 36%.

Phoenix 98, Memphis 85 -- Shawn Marion scored 13 of his season-high 32 points in the fourth quarter for the Suns at Phoenix.

Marion missed his first five shots, then made 12 of his next 16.