Allen Iverson made an emotional NBA return with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night but it was Chauncey Billups and Iverson's former Denver teammates who wound up winning.
Allen Iverson made an emotional NBA return with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night but it was Chauncey Billups and Iverson's former Denver teammates who wound up winning.
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Billups, exchanged for Iverson last season in a swap between Denver and Detroit, scored 31 points and NBA top scorer Carmelo Anthony added 14 to lead the Nuggets past the 76ers 93-83 to inflict Philadelphia's 10th loss in a row.
A 22-3 Denver run that ended early in the fourth quarter spelled doom for the 76ers, who sunk to 5-16 and second-worst in the Eastern Conference. The Nuggets improved to 16-5, best in the Northwest division.
But the night was special for Iverson's return after a brief retirement following a short stay in Memphis. A sellout crowd of 20,664 welcomed Iverson back for his first game as a 76er since being traded away in 2006.
"I just felt like I was back home," Iverson said. "It was deja vu. Just a real good feeling. The fans made it hard on me because they made me more nervous than I already was.
"I love these people here. They know that. They love me back."
Iverson, who led the 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals, was sent off amid bitter feelings but welcomed home to a team that ranks next-to-last in NBA attendance with just under 12,000 a game. He kissed the center-court logo before the game.
"It was a positive experience to be part of A.I. returning," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "I thought he fatigued as the game went on and we got the benefit of it. He's not in the best of shape yet."
Iverson finished with 11 points, sinking 4-of-11 shots, and added six assists in 37 minutes on the court before departing to a standing ovation in the fourth quarter.
"If I can't get my scoring on like I want to, I just want to do other things on the basketball court that will help us win," Iverson said.
Andre Iguodala led the 76ers with 31 points, but not even Iverson could solve what ails the 76ers.
"I haven't been here long enough to put a finger on one or two (problems)," Iverson said. "With the way the guys competed, I don't know how they lost nine games in a row. We'll get it together. Believe me."
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