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Iverson, Nuggets moving toward last playoff spot

Apr 12, 2008 - 2:04 PM Denver (48-31) at Utah (52-27) 9:00 pm EDT

SALT LAKE CITY (Ticker) - Allen Iverson and the Denver Nuggets hold their playoff destiny in their own hands.

Iverson and the Nuggets look to remain in the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference playoff race when they visit the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

In Thursday's critical game at Golden State, Iverson poured in 33 points and fellow All-Star Carmelo Anthony added 25 in a 114-105 victory.

"Everybody knew what was at stake," Iverson said. "It's easy for players to say it's just another game. But everybody knows it wasn't just another game. It was a game that both teams felt they had to have."

The win gave the Nuggets sole possession of eight place in the West standings with just three games remaining in the regular season. Denver can clinch a playoff berth with a win coupled with a loss by Golden State (47-32) at home to the Clippers.

Denver closes its season with home games against playoff-bound Houston and lowly Memphis.

Utah saw its four-game winning streak come to an end when Dirk Nowitzki drilled the go-ahead 3-pointer with just seconds left in Thursday's thrilling 97-94 loss at Dallas.

The Jazz have won two of three meetings against the Nuggets, who gave up 50 points and 22 rebounds combined to Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur in a 132-105 setback here last month.