JACKSONVILLE, Fla., 6 February 2005 — Jalen Rose scored 26 points as the Toronto Raptors equaled their biggest comeback to rally from a 22-point deficit and edge the Washington Wizards 103-100 on Friday.
Leading by 15 in the third quarter, the Wizards seem to lose their momentum when Gilbert Arenas was ejected following a second technical foul.
Despite the early exit, Arenas finished with 21 points while Antawn Jamison had 30 for the slumping Wizards, who absorbed a season-high fourth straight loss.
Rafer Alston, back in action after serving a two game team suspension for an altercation with coach Sam Mitchell, returned to his coach’s good books by scoring 16 second half points for the Raptors.
In Minnesota, Tracy McGrady nailed 40 points to lift the Houston Rockets to a 119-113 overtime win over the Timberwolves.
Yao Ming added 23 points and 14 rebounds while Juwan Howard contributed 13 points and 14 rebounds as the Rockets sent the Timberwolves to their fourth consecutive defeat.
In Indianapolis, Anthony Johnson hit a season-high 21 points as the Indiana Pacers slipped past the Dallas Mavericks 95-94 to snap a six-game losing skid.
Jermaine O’Neal led the Pacers with 23 points but it was Johnson who led the way, making all of his shots from the field, including three three-pointers. Dirk Nowitzki had a game-high 32 for the Mavericks, including a three-pointer to pull his team within one with seven seconds left on the clock.
In Philadelphia, the league’s leading scorer Allen Iverson gave home fans a thrill and a fright in leading the 76ers to a 103-85 victory over the woeful Atlanta Hawks.
Iverson poured in 22 points and dished out 12 assists on a typically productive night but also came crashing to the floor in the third quarter, hurting his left shoulder.
Following the game the all-star guard underwent X-rays which came back negative.
Kyle Korver had another solid night from outside the arc, scoring 17 points with the help of five three-pointers to help send the Hawks to their 12th straight road defeat.
In Milwaukee, Michael Redd drained 32 points, including a long jumper with 15 seconds to play, to power the Bucks a 92-90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Elton Brand had a season-high 31 points but could not keep the Clippers from suffering their first loss in four games.
In Sacramento, Mike Bibby posted a career-high 40 points but Matt Barnes hit the deciding free throw to give the Kings a 116-115 comeback win over the New York Knicks, who dropped their fourth straight game.
Brad Miller contributed 35 to the Kings’ cause, including nine in the final minute, while Stephon Marbury had a season-high 37 in a losing effort for the Knicks.
In Boston, Raef LaFrentz nailed 19 points and Paul Pierce added 18, sparking the Celtics 112-100 comeback win over the Orlando Magic.
In Oakland, Jason Richardson scored 25 points and Mickael Pietrus slipped in with 15 to help the Golden State Warriors to a 90-82 decision over the New Orleans Hornets.
In Portland, Sebastian Telfair and Damon Stoudamire each netted 23 points as the Trail Blazers crushed the Charlotte Bobcats 101-89.
