BasketBall Connect

Allen Iverson (6'1''-G-75, college: Georgetown) stepped back on the court of the Wachovia Centre for the first time since he left the place in December 2006. Allen Iverson was impressive with game-high 32 points but it did not help his playoff-chasing Denver to upset the striking 76ers. Samuel Dalembert (6'11''-C-81, college: Seton Hall) drained a layup with 32 seconds remaining in regulation to put the hosts up for good. Allen Iverson had a chance to tie the game but missed his final shot and Marcus Camby failed to add one after an offensive rebound. Andre Miller (6'3''-G-76, college: Utah) scored 28 points to lead the 76ers to 34-34 record in the ladder. The Nuggets meanwhile suffered the 28th loss in the season and still just eying the 8th spot in the West. Allen Iverson got a long standing ovation when introduced. Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) notched 21 points for the winners. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) dropped 26 for Denver.

Houston lost their second in a row as they fell short to New Orleans 69:90 away from home. The Rockets that possessed a 22-game winning streak just two days ago suddenly have to deal with the losing streak. They were defeated in two straight games and allowed the Hornets to leapfrog them in the Western Conference standings. Bonzi Wells (6'5''-F-76, college: Ball St.) came off the bench to deliver 20 points in the fourth period and led the hosts to an impressive victory. He finished with 25 points, while David West (6'8''-F-80, agency: Octagon, college: Xavier), who just returned from a right ankle sprain, added 23 points and 11 boards for the winners. Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79) managed 15 points, while Luis Scola registered 14 points in a losing case.

Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) returned to the Raptors' lineup and Toronto thrashed hapless Miami 96:54. Pat Riley had to use just 7 players and it resulted in the franchise-lowest scoring tally. Chris Bosh nailed 8 points and grabbed 8 boards as the Raptors showed the signs of recovery. They went 2-8 without Chris Bosh in the starting lineup. Jose Calderon produced 10 points and 10 assists, while Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) and Anthony Parker (6'5''-G/F-75, college: Bradley) had 14 points apiece for the winners. Chris Quinn (6'2''-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) led the Heat with 14 points.