Iverson Steps Up to Lead 76er Win

Larry Brown has coached Allen Iverson in all but one of the superstar’s six NBA seasons, and says he has never seen him play better.

Iverson had 29 points on 11-of-20 shooting as the Philadelphia 76ers avenged a loss to New Orleans with a 108-87 victory Monday night that extended their home record to 8-0.

“The thing that is exciting me is he’s trying to do the right thing every time down,” Brown said. “His all-around game is as good as anytime I’ve been around him.”

Iverson played one of his best games, making seven free throws in nine attempts and dishing out four assists. Several other spectacular passes went unconverted by his teammates. He says his improvement has actually come on the defensive end.

“I’m being as hard on myself on defense as I’ve been in offense,” Iverson said. “Before I was concentrating so hard on getting a good shot. Now I am working hard at both ends of the court.”

Todd MacCulloch had 15 points, Keith Van Horn and Aaron McKie 14 apiece, and Eric Snow had 12 points and 10 assists for Philadelphia.

Phoenix 86, Milwaukee 81 -- Rookie Amare Stoudemire had his first double-double with season-highs of 15 points and 13 rebounds as the Suns beat the short-handed Bucks.

Shawn Marion had 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Suns, who beat the Bucks in Phoenix for the 15th consecutive time.

The Bucks were without the injured Ray Allen and Anthony Mason. Allen was put on the injured list Monday after spraining his right ankle landing on Shaquille O’Neal’s foot in Sunday’s loss to the Lakers.

Mason was sidelined because of a left hamstring strain.

Sam Cassell scored 22 for the Bucks. Michael Redd, starting in place of Allen, had 21 points and 11 rebounds.