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Iverson, 76ers beat Pistons, cut lead to 2-1

Philadelphia's Allen Iverson likes the taste of victory against Detroit in the closing minutes. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press
Philadelphia's Allen Iverson likes the taste of victory against Detroit in the closing minutes. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

The very thought of Allen Iverson having a breakout game scared Larry Brown, and Iverson’s former coach had good reason to worry.

Iverson played one of the most efficient playoff games of his nine-year career Friday night, scoring 37 points and handing out five of his 15 assists in the fourth quarter to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past the Detroit Pistons 115-104 at Philadelphia.

The Sixers defeated the defending champions for the first time in the best-of-7 series, cutting Detroit’s lead to 2-1. Game 4 is Sunday.

Iverson led the way as Philadelphia overcame an early 13-point deficit and then played its best ball in the fourth quarter, keeping the Pistons from getting much offense from anyone other than Ben Wallace.

Detroit’s center scored a career-high 29 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, but the Pistons got only two points from their reserves to offset another 50 percent shooting effort from the field — the third time in the series they’ve made at least half their shots.

Chris Webber scored nine of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, Rodney Rogers added 15 points, Samuel Dalembert had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Andre Iguodala had 13 points and seven steals for Philadelphia, which shot 55 percent.

Suns 110, Grizzlies 90: At Memphis, Tenn., Amare Stoudemire scored 30 points, and the Suns rolled over Memphis for the franchise’s first 3-0 lead in a best-of-7 series. A victory here Sunday night would give Phoenix a sweep of the opening-round Western Conference series.

Joe Johnson scored 20 points and reserve Jim Jackson added 17 for Phoenix.

Celtics’ Walker suspended for grabbing referee

Boston forward Antoine Walker was suspended for tonight’s game by the NBA for grabbing a referee during an angry confrontation with Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal. O’Neal was fined $10,000 for his role in the altercation.

Cavaliers contact Jackson about coaching job

The Cleveland Cavaliers confirmed late Friday night that it has had preliminary talks with Phil Jackson, the former Bulls’ and Lakers’ coach, about its head coaching vacancy.

Jackson has nine NBA championships as a coach.