Depleted 76ers Full of Surprises

The Philadelphia 76ers sure didn’t play as if they missed Allen Iverson, even if their coach was upset about his absence.

Aaron McKie had 18 points to help the short-handed 76ers end a four-game losing streak and stun the Minnesota Timberwolves, 81-74, Sunday night at Philadelphia despite playing without Iverson and Glenn Robinson.

Iverson missed his fourth game in a row because of a bruised right shoulder and informed team doctors earlier in the day that he was experiencing stomach problems and would not attend the game. Iverson failed to contact Coach Chris Ford directly, though.

“I’m very disappointed. In time there will be something levied,” Ford said.

Kevin Garnett had 27 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota but did not attempt a shot in the final 2 1/2 minutes until launching a meaningless three-pointer at the buzzer.

“We have [an MVP candidate] and when we come down the stretch, we have plays called for him and he doesn’t touch the ball,” Minnesota Coach Flip Saunders said. “You’re just asking to get beat.”

Seattle 97, Houston 80 -- Rashard Lewis had 22 points at Houston to help the SuperSonics end a three-game losing streak. Steve Francis had 15 points for Houston.

Denver 107, New York 96 -- Carmelo Anthony had 25 points at Denver as the Nuggets ended a five-game losing streak. Kurt Thomas had 18 points for New York, which tied its longest losing streak this season with its sixth straight loss.

Sacramento 108, Phoenix 94 -- Peja Stojakovic scored 32 points at Sacramento as the Kings never trailed in beating the Suns.

Sidelined seven games by a sprained right foot, Brad Miller returned with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings. Amare Stoudemire had 33 points and 17 rebounds for the Suns.

Milwaukee 108, Miami 104 -- Michael Redd scored 27 points at Milwaukee as the Bucks held on for their third victory in a row. Miami rookie Dwyane Wade left and did not return after spraining his ankle late in the fourth quarter.

Boston 91, Toronto 82 -- Paul Pierce had 22 points at Boston to help hand the Raptors their season-worst ninth loss in a row.

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Washington Wizard swingman Jerry Stackhouse plans to sit out the rest of the season to rest his ailing left knee.