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Iguodala, Sixers end Hornets' stellar run

Feb 1, 2007 - 5:06 AM OKLAHOMA CITY (Ticker) -- Just when things were looking up for the New Orleans Hornets, Andre Iguodala and the Philadelphia 76ers brought them back to reality.

Iguodala collected 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists and Samuel Dalembert had nine points and 15 rebounds as the 76ers dominated the glass en route to an 89-78 victory over the Hornets, snapping their three-game winning streak.

Steven Hunter added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Sixers, who shot just 40 percent (31-of-77) but outrebounded the Hornets, 58-40, to create a bundle of second-chance points and an impressive victory.

"I thought our defense was top notch," Philadelphia coach Maurice Cheeks said. "I thought our bigs did a great job of clogging up the middle and dominating the boards. Joe Smith came in and rebounded, everyone who stepped on the floor tonight contributed on the boards.

"There was no drop off when our guys came off the bench, our bigs clogged the middle and our bench really contributed, and that is what won the game for us."

Winners of six straight at home, the Hornets had not lost in Oklahoma City or New Orleans Arena since dropping a 100-90 decision to the Los Angeles Clippers on January 8.

"The last few weeks we had a lot of confidence in each other, and what we were out there to do," Hornets forward David West said. "I don't know why we had this kind of let down. We knew they were coming in here and were going to play hard, and we never responded.

"I don't know where we are right now. I think we are very fragile. We get up for the big games, but everyone else, we kind of drop off. That really bit us Friday against Minnesota. I think we will have it cranked up, but we can not keep doing this."

A reliable scorer and rebounder, West had led the Hornets during their stellar run but scored just 10 points on 5-of-16 shooting on Wednesday.

Playing second fiddle to Allen Iverson for most of his career, Iguodala has flourished since the superstar guard was traded to Denver on December 19. He notched his 14th 20-plus point game since the deal - matching the number he produced while playing with Iverson.

"He has been one of our go to guys," Cheeks said. "We put the ball in his hands in late-game situations, and he has come through. He is still growing up and is still learning, but putting the ball in his hands and getting him more opportunities to be the man. He never used to get those opportunities, but now he is getting more and he is delivering."

Iguodala praised his teammates' perseverance.

"I think our bigs started off a little slow to begin the game," Iguodala said. "So, they took it upon themselves to get involved and attack the offensive glass and try to help us out since they weren't scoring."

Iguodala shot 8-of-16 from the floor and made both his 3-point attempts.

Returning to line up after missing 17 games with an ankle injury, star guard Chris Paul scored just nine points and Devin Brown added 17 for the Hornets, who shot just 39 percent (35-of-89), including 3-of-11 from the arc.

"I feel fine. I think that everything will start clicking once we get back into a groove," Paul said. "It is very disappointing for me. The team has won three straight. I come back, and we get beat like we did."