The Philadelphia 76ers proved again they're a better team this season without Allen Iverson.
Samuel Dalembert had 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Kenny Thomas had 13 points and 14 rebounds to lead the 76ers to a 95-71 win over Golden State on Tuesday night, snapping the Warriors' seven-game winning streak.
The Sixers again played without Iverson, who will miss the rest of the season because of persistent pain in his right knee. An MRI showed a small lesion under Iverson's knee cap, but there was no meniscal or ligament damage.
``We're just getting it done,'' said Sixers guard Aaron McKie, who added 18 points. ``You can't look over at the sideline and worry who's in, who's out. That's something we've been dealing with for a long time here.''
Iverson was not on the bench as the Sixers (32-43) kept their fading playoff hopes alive and improved to 13-14 without the NBA's second-leading scorer. Philadelphia is 10th in the Eastern Conference, 2 1/2 games behind eighth-place Boston.
The Sixers won their seventh straight at home and have won four of five overall.
``We almost have to play perfect basketball and we're going to need some help
from some teams,'' McKie said.
Dalembert and Aaron McKie led the way during a decisive 30-6 run in the third quarter. The Sixers shot 54 percent in the period and held the Warriors to only two field goals -- one on a goaltending call.
The six points were the fewest ever allowed by Philadelphia in a quarter. The Sixers twice allowed seven, against Portland in 1991 and Miami in 1993.
The Sixers turned a 10-rebound edge in the quarter into transition opportunities and easy baskets. They scored 19 fast-break points in the third, pushing and sharing the ball.
``That's something we haven't been consistent with and that comes from getting stops on the defensive end,'' McKie said.
It was dramatic turnaround for Philadelphia from its 89-65 loss at Boston on Sunday when the Sixers shot 27 percent and set club records for fewest points in a half (23) and in three quarters (41).
``It's over, let's move on and look forward to the next game. That's what we did,'' Dalembert said.
AP - Mar 30, 9:51 pm EST
More Photos
Dalembert, 6-foot-11, has been one of the few bright spots this season for the
Sixers. He has gained more playing time because of an injury to Derrick Coleman
and is leading the team in blocks.
Most of his baskets are near the hoop, but he settled for an 11-foot jumper during the Sixers' run. Dalembert's nicest play came when he came streaking down the lane and turned a nifty, no-look pass from Greg Buckner into a thunderous dunk.
``It was just amazing to me. I enjoyed myself,'' said Dalembert. ``The coaches said keep going and I just did what they asked me to do. I took advantage of that and got an extra boost out there.''
Michael Pietrus scored 19 points and Erick Dampier added 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Warriors.
Golden State shot 46 percent and trailed only 42-40 at halftime before collapsing. Avery Johnson scored the only non-goaltended basket of the third on a layup.
``They've been playing very well without Iverson,'' said Golden State's Calbert Chaney. ``Not that Allen is a detriment to them, but they have justbeen playing pretty well. They're playing good team basketball.''
Notes
Both teams wore throwback uniforms, and local celebrities took part in the nostalgic festivities. ... The Sixers had no turnovers in the first half. They finished with eight ... Sixers G Willie Green left at halftime with a hyperextended left knee. He did not return. ... Philadelphia is 10-3 thisseason without Iverson and Glenn Robinson.