Iverson “Answers” His Critics, Pistons Beat Kings 100-92

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

To those who questioned whether the Detroit Pistons could win some games with Allen Iverson on their roster, Tuesday’s game against the Sacramento Kings probably silenced the critics of the 12-year veteran; Iverson scored 30 points, leading Detroit to a 100-92 victory over Sacramento at Arco Arena; the Kings were without the services of shooting guard Kevin Martin, who will be out 7-to-10 days with a sprained ankle.

Richard Hamilton, fighting a scoring slump as of late, drained a 3-pointer late in the first quarter yet the Pistons trailed the Kings 31-18 going into the second quarter. Detroit would man-up defensively and slowly chip away at Sacramento’s lead, with both teams tied at 50 at halftime. The Kings had the lead at 77-75 going into the final period but they would go scoreless for 5 minutes midway through the quarter.

Iverson hit a key 3-pointer for Detroit, but they couldn’t quite pull away; with their lead at two with just under 2 minutes remaining, the Pistons’ Tayshaun Prince was fouled and then he made a pair of free throws, giving Detroit a 94-90 lead. A turnover by Sacramento’s Beno Udrih enabled Hamilton to score a give-and-go basket, pushing the Pistons’ lead to 6 – icing the game. Iverson led the Pistons’ scorers with 30 points (including 3 treys), 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals while Prince added 26 with 11 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal; Hamilton chipped in, scoring 17 with 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.

Sacramento was led by Spencer Hawes from off the bench as he scored 19 with 6 rebounds, an assist and a blocked shot while Udrih added 18 with 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal; rookie Jason Thompson, making his first start, scored 15 with 9 rebounds. Detroit (5-2) plays again on Thursday as they make the very short trip west on I-80 as they take on the Golden State Warriors while Sacramento flies south to Los Angeles to face the Clippers – also on Wednesday night.

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