76ers' Iverson won't play rest of season
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers have said goodbye to A.I.
Allen Iverson's second stint with the team he once led to the NBA finals ended yesterday when the Sixers announced he would not return for the rest of the season.
Iverson has mostly been absent from the team for a month, returning to Atlanta to be with his family as they deal with an undisclosed illness of his 4-year-old daughter, Messiah.
Iverson, who returned as a free agent to the 76ers in December, has not played since Feb. 20.
"After discussing the situation with Allen, we've come to the conclusion that he will not return to the Sixers for the remainder of the season, as he no longer wishes to be a distraction to the organization and teammates that he loves very deeply," team president Ed Stefanski said.
CAVALIERS
NO. 6 FOR LEBRON
The number on LeBron James' back will be different next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers can only hope the logo on the front of his jersey remains the same.
James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed yesterday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the NBA retire it in honor of Michael Jordan.
YESTERDAY'S GAMES
HEAT 110, WARRIORS 106
Dwyane Wade had 35 points and 12 assists, and started a 7-0 run for a 101-96 lead with 4:05 remaining as host Miami held off Golden State to snap a four-game losing streak.
CELTICS 105, PISTONS 100
Nate Robinson scored 14 points in 16 minutes, Rajon Rondo added 15 points and 11 assists, and visiting Boston made 10 of 10 free throws in the final 1:10 to turn back Detroit.
THUNDER 113, KINGS 107
Kevin Durant had 39 points and 10 rebounds, Russell Westbrook added 30 points and 13 assists, and Oklahoma City finished a perfect three-game homestand.
LAKERS 122, PACERS 99
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, hitting 14 of 15 free throws, and Jordan Farmar came off the bench for 19 points as host Los Angeles pulled away with a 38-17 third-quarter run in rolling past Indiana.
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