Early Birthday Gift For Iguodala As Sixers Bop Bobcats 103-96

Andre Iguodala celebrated his 24th birthday two days early as he scored 33 points, and led the Philadelphia 76ers over the Charlotte Bobcats Saturday night 103-96. The win ends a three game losing streak by the Sixers who lost to the New York Knicks Friday night. Iguodala who will turn 24 on Monday helped lead the charge as Philadelphia battled back after being down early in the game.

The Bobcats were playing without starting guard Raymond Felton, who had tweaked an already sprained left ankle Friday night as Charlotte beat the Chicago Bulls 90-77. Matt Carroll started in his place, and although Carroll has had some big games off the bench in the last few weeks for the Bobcats he did not do particularly well as a starter, scoring just 2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals.

Charlotte got out of the gates strong as they led Philly 27-20 in the first quarter, and they had a 55-47 advantage as the two teams went to their respective locker rooms at the half. But the Sixers seemed rejuvenated when they returned to the floor in the third quarter. They increased their defensive pressure, and turned up the intensity on the offense as well, as they grabbed a hold of the game, taking an 80-71 lead in to the final period. Although Charlotte remained within hailing distance, they just seemed to be a little bit off in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia held on for the victory.

Iguodala shot 13-21 from the floor, 2-4 from outside the arc, and 5-8 from the line for his 33 points, 6 boards, 5 assists, 2 blocks. Andre Miller scored 23 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, and Louis Williams, one of the most underrated players in the NBA scored 12 points off the bench, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block.

Jason Richardson led all scorers, as he shot 13-24 from the floor, a scorching 7-11 from outside the arc, 2-2 from the line for 35 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals. Gerald Wallace recorded a double-double scoring 20 points, 10 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, Emeka Okafor also registered a double-double scoring 17 points, 16 boards, 1 block. Nazr Mohammed again had a nice night off the bench for Charlotte, 10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists. Philadelphia is now 17-28, the Bobcats are 17-27.