Oct. 12, 2005

Columbia, S.C. –

Pete Iacobelli, AP

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Allen Iverson took it right at Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs, with 27 points and seven assists in Philadelphia’s 100-88 preseason victory Wednesday night.

Iverson played the first quarter and most of the second half. That was more than enough for the Sixers (1-1) in this preseason game at the Colonial Center on South Carolina’s campus.

The contest also gave Duncan a chance to reconnect with his old Wake Forest coach, Dave Odom, who’s now with the Gamecocks. Duncan went to dinner at Odom’s house Tuesday night and goofed around with South Carolina players during some informal drills hours before tipoff.

Still, there was no doubt that Iverson was the fan favorite. He got the largest ovation by far during pregame introductions. Cameraphones were aimed in his direction and flashes popped whenever he touched the ball. His every move was greeted by oohs, ahhs and “What’s he gonna do next?” shouts.

One of Iverson’s flashiest sequences came in the third quarter when he took a pass on the left baseline and quickly moved past Bruce Bowen with Duncan closing on defense _ and getting called for a foul on his fellow superstar. Iverson made both free throws to put the 76ers up 64-56.

Moments later, Iverson drove past San Antonio’s Stephen Graham, gliding right behind Duncan, whose back was turned to the play. The time, the ball fell in and Iverson finished the three-point play for a 69-62 lead over San Antonio (0-2).

Iverson seemed as excited at the solid play of his teammates. After Lee Nailon made a 15-foot jumper on a play that didn’t go through Iverson, Philadelphia’s floor leader pumped his fist in Nailon’s direction.

Iverson closed his night with a running 20-footer, turning and shaking his head in the universal playground taunt that he couldn’t be stopped. His final cheer came a few moments later when he was replaced by Kevin Ollie.

Duncan played half the first quarter and all of the third for the defending NBA champions. He ended with 12 points and eight rebounds.

As far as the game, San Antonio closed to 88-86 on Graham’s basket with 6 minutes to go. But John Salmons and Ollie each made two foul shots and Kyle Korver hit back-to-back 3-pointers to extend the 76ers’ lead.

Philadelphia played its second straight game without Chris Webber, out with a right quad strain and not traveling with the club. Coach Maurice Cheeks said he was not worried about Webber’s condition and hoped to have him back for the last two or three preseason games.