Rockets' defense, Yao shut down Sixers
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-07 11:23

Before the scoring slump, Iverson keyed a 13-2 run in the third that helped the Sixers slice a 16-point deficit down to 66-63 at the end of the quarter.

Iverson, named an Eastern Conference All-starter for the seventh straight time, had one of the defensive plays of Philadelphia's season to keep the rally going. Luther Head seemed poised to convert a turnover into a fast break layup when a streaking Iverson came from behind and knocked the ball away.

Iverson fell out of bounds, the ball stayed in play, David Wesley grabbed it and was about to go for a layup when the fiery guard came out of nowhere and stripped the ball loose to prevent what could have been two easy scoring opportunities.

The Sixers went 13-for-15 from the line of the quarter where they scored all but 14 of their points.