Iverson leads 76ers past Lakers 108-91
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-03-16 10:50

Allen Iverson kept scoring when Kobe Bryant faltered, and kept Philadelphia close to the division lead. Iverson outperformed Bryant, scoring 36 points and leading a decisive third-quarter run in the 76ers' 108-91 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles Lakers' Chris Mihm tries to stop Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson (3) in the first half Tuesday, March 15, 2005, in Philadelphia. [AP]

Iverson helped pull the Sixers (31-33) to four games of Boston for first place in the Atlantic Division. Winning the division may be the only way to qualify for the Sixers, who remain stuck in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

Andre Iguodala scored 15 points for the Sixers, adding a few more spectacular dunks, including an alley-oop where he came crashing down on Jumaine Jones. Kyle Korver had 14.

Bryant — who came in trailing Iverson by nearly two points in the league scoring race — led the Lakers with 20 points, but had little help. The Lakers (32-31) fell out of the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference.

Bryant made five of nine shots in the first quarter, but went 1-for-6 the rest of the game.

Bryant scored 16 points in the first quarter and Iverson had 14 as the two seemed poised for a one-on-one showdown between All-Stars. But Bryant slowed down, thanks largely to the sticky defense by Iguodala, while Iverson kept driving and crashing.

Iverson scored 14 points during a 26-9 run in the third quarter by doing what he does best — drive the lane, look for the layup and get to the line. When he couldn't do that, Iverson would dribble around the perimeter until he found an open look.

He took six of Philadelphia's 16 shots in the third (making three) and went 7-for-7 from the line. Overall, Iverson went 14-for-15 from the line and 10-for-22 from the floor.

On one fallaway layup from the right side, Iverson was fouled by Chucky Atkins. Atkins bitterly complained and was hit with two quick technicals and ejected from the game.

Korver sank the two free throws for a 66-50 lead. Rodney Rogers hit a 3-pointer near the end of the third, giving Philadelphia a 28-point lead.

Chris Webber again was a non-factor for the Sixers. He scored Philly's first two baskets of the game, sat out 5 minutes of the second quarter and missed his last six shots for five points.

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