Iverson nets 60 points, 76ers rout Magic
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-13 12:46

Allen Iverson scored 60 points, a career high and the most in the NBA this season, to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 112-99 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.

Iverson, the NBA scoring leader with a 29.7 average, was 17-of-36 from the field and made 24 of 27 free throws. His previous career high was 58 points against Houston on Jan. 15, 2002.

Orlando Magic's Grant Hill (33) defends as Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson goes up for a shot during the first half Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, in Philadelphia. [AP]

It was the first 60-point game in the NBA since Tracy McGrady scored 62 for Orlando against Washington on March 10, 2004. Iverson, who had 54- and 51-point performances in consecutive games in December, also had the fourth-highest total in 76ers' history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain.

Iverson scored 29 points in the first half, banging and crashing all over the court while helping the 76ers turn it into a rout.

After Orlando went on a mini-run in the third that cut a 25-point deficit to 11, Iverson hit a 3-pointer from the right side as time expired to reach 40.

Then Iverson earned a standing ovation for points 50 and 51.

He stole the ball and was fouled hard on a layup attempt, slamming against the floor as he seemingly always does. The crowd erupted and stood in appreciation for Iverson, who went to the line and made a couple of free throws.

It was the same for points 59 and 60 — two more free throws. The fans were on their feet each time Iverson had the ball in the fourth quarter, giving a routine game the feel of a Game 7.

The 76ers pulled within one game of Boston for the Atlantic Division lead and are one game under .500 (25-26). They haven't been at .500 since they were 6-6 on Nov. 26 and haven't had a winning record since they were 4-2 on Nov. 14.

Maybe Philadelphia needs more 40-point games from Iverson — the 76ers are 5-1 when he reaches that mark this season. Iverson also had ninth 50-point regular-season game.

Corliss Williamson added 18 points for the 76ers. He started in place of Kenny Thomas, sidelined by a back injury.

Steve Francis scored 32 points for the Magic, and Grant Hill had 16.

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