Sports

Hornets don't have an Answer

After a weekend full of top-notch performances, Allen Iverson re-affirmed his spot among the NBAis all-time elite.

In Sundayis Game 1, Iverson willed the 76ers to a 98-90 win over New Orleans.

While Iversonis teammates could only manage 43 points, he dropped a career-high 55 points. He also dished out eight assists and had two steals.

The 76ers may have pulled out the victory, but talk afterwards centered on Keith Van Hornis ineffective performance. In 32 minutes, he scored only three points on a 1-for-8 shooting effort.

Minnesota vs. Los Angeles

Kevin Garnett is one of the best players in the NBA, and his performance this season has his name on many a short-list for Most Valuable Player.

This season, Garnett and crew have earned the fourth spot in the West and home-court advantage against the Los Angeles Lakers. It didnit seem to bother the Lakers as they dropped 39 points in the first 12 minutes.

Shaquille OiNeal -- who enjoyed the birth of his child and endured the death of his grandfather this past week -- scored 32 points. Kobe Bryant dominated as usual with 39.

Garnett was no slouch. He had 23 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.

The Timberwolves fought back during the third period to be within four points of the Lakers, but they still lost 117-98.

Down with No. 1

Since the NBA playoffs expanded to 16 teams, the eight seed has upset the one seed only twice. The Suns and Magic began their quest to double that number when each team defeated the top team in their respective conferences.

The Suns needed a pair of miracle three-pointers to finish off San Antonio on Saturday.

With time running low in regulation, Suns rookie Amare Stoudemire banked in a three to tie the game at 87. It was Stoudemireis third three-point basket of the season.

After his last miss, Stephon Marbury dribbled the ball up-court, and, as time ticked away, he launched a three. The basket was good, and the Suns stole game one, 96-95.

Mondayis Game 2 followed the script the Spurs had in mind. Marbury still managed 32 points, but the Suns fell 84-76.

San Antonio led by one entering the fourth period. Tim Duncan scored 11 of his 22 points in the quarter, helping the Spurs even up the series.

The Detroit Pistons will have the chance to make up for their Game 1 loss to Orlando in Game 2 tonight.

After a sluggish start to the game, Tracy McGrady decided to take things in his own hands. The Pistons had a chance to win the game at the end, but McGradyis 43 points and Drew Goodenis 18 were too much for the team to overcome.

In other news

The Sacramento Kings have dominated the Utah Jazz on their way to a 2-0 series lead.

Bostonis Paul Pierce scored 40 points as he led his team to a game one victory over the Pacers. In Game 2, though, he could only manage 18 points, and Indianapolis tied the series.

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