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Iverson shines as Nuggets top SuperSonics

Dec 29, 2006 - 8:05 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Despite cold and snowy weather outside the Pepsi Center, Allen Iverson warmed up the patrons inside the arena.

Iverson sliced through the defense at will and Earl Boykins added 24 points off the bench as the Denver Nuggets routed the undermanned Seattle SuperSonics, 112-98, for their second straight win.

Iverson had 44 points and 10 assists for the Nuggets, who improved to 2-1 since acquiring the four-time scoring champion. His performance helped Denver coach George Karl pick up his 800th career win against his former team.

"It's been more about the coaches and players I was with," Karl said. "Your players win the games. (North Carolina coach Dean Smith) told me years ago, 'Players win the games, coaches lose them. If you can't live with that, don't get into coaching.' This win against Seattle is special because Seattle was a big part of my career."

"I was just happy to be a part of it," Iverson said. "This being my third game and getting to be a part of something special like that is something to cherish and remember forever. It was just an honor to help him get that win. (Karl) has been putting me in situations where I can succeed, and when a coach does that, your game just does the rest."

On a night when the Denver area was hit with its second major snowstorm in as many weeks, Iverson dazzled the home crowd with his brilliant shot-making ability and constant energy. But many critics believe Iverson's style of play eventually will wear on him.

"That has been the talk all through my career, that eventually I'll wear down and I can't play that many minutes," Iverson said. "I just do what I've been doing and do what I'm capable of doing. I know I can do it, and obviously, my coach believes I can do it, and I just go out there and give it all I've got for the time I'm out there."

However, the most impressive part of his game since being traded from Philadelphia on December 19 has been his willingness to pass. With his unselfish play on Thursday, Iverson has recorded 33 assists in his three games with the Nuggets.

"His leadership speaks for itself," Denver forward Reggie Evans said. "He gets the crowd into it and he gets us into it. It just feels good to get a win, that's the main thing, to come out here and get another home win."

A 6-0 guard, Iverson shot 17-of-29 from the field and 9-of-12 from the line. Boykins was 9-of-17 from the floor.

Damien Wilkins scored 26 points for the Sonics, who shot 48 percent (38-of-82) and played without star guard Ray Allen due to the birth of his child.