Sixers Shoot Down T'wolves

In a game filled with twisting layups and off-balance jumpers, Allen Iverson's last two points were his easiest and most controversial.

Iverson scored 43 points Tuesday night, including two foul shots with 1.8 seconds left, as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated Minnesota 102-100 for their first seven-game winning streak in over nine years.

"He (Kevin Garnett) got me," Iverson said of the call that put him on the line for the game-winner. "The shot was off and he knocked me down."

Garnett had 31 points and nine rebounds for the Timberwolves, who had their six-game winning streak snapped. His jumper with 15 seconds left pulled Minnesota even for the first time since the first quarter.

"It was after the shot," Garnett said. "I never argued that there was contact. The shot was way over the rim. If I fouled him, I think it would have come up short."

Garnett's coach agreed.

"I think it was unfortunate how the game ended," Flip Saunders said. "I don't think you make that kind of call. I think that was a no-call, but that's me."

Terrell Brandon's last-second 15-footer went off the back iron.

Saunders and his players were arguing with the officials for most of the game, particularly with referee Ronnie Nunn. Nunn and Saunders had a few heated exchanges, although no technicals were called.

"Like all games, there were definitely questionable calls or plays, and we were struggling early so it was magnified," Saunders said. "All you ask for is that there is consisteny and you hope there is a respect factor for that."

It was the eighth time this season and 16th time in his career that Iverson scored at least 40 points. Tyrone Hill had 18 points and 14 rebounds for Philadelphia.

"We're starting to open a couple of eyes and starting to show people we're a team to be reckoned with," Iverson said. "Hopefully on this win streak, people will start giving us the much-deserved respect we've earned."

Minnesota trailed 82-72 after three quarters, but battled all the way back behind Garnett. Garnett scored 10 points to pull the Wolves within 97-96 with two minutes left. He had a chance to give Minnesota the lead with 1:25 remaining, but he missed two free throws.

"I should have made those free throws," Garnett said. "I was not in control of my emotions."

Garnett made up for it a minute later with a jumper in the lane to tie it at 100.

Iverson's spinning, reverse layup at the 2:30 mark of the third-quarter gave the 76ers their biggest lead at 78-65.

Iverson scored 24 points in the first half on 9-of-14 shooting as the Sixers led 59-49 at halftime. Hill had a double-double in the half with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

"Allen is just tremendous," Philadelphia's Toni Kukoc said of the NBA's leading scorer. "He plays great and he's only 24 years old. He's still learning the game."

Brandon had 14 points and 12 assists for Minnesota, while Philadelphia's Theo Ratliff finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and five blocked shots.

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