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Sixers-Heat: 56k | 300k |
After making a run in the third quarter, Philadelphia wilted in the fourth period, when it was outscored, 30-10. The Heat reeled off 16 straight points during one stretch of the quarter, holding the Sixers scoreless for more than seven minutes.
"We took it to another level in that fourth quarter," Jones said. "We showed great character as a team and played with intensity and that's what you have to do at this stretch of the season."
Miami shot 65 percent (13-of-20) in the final 12 minutes while holding Philadelphia to just 13 percent (3-of-23).
"We got beat badly in that fourth quarter," Sixers interim coach Chris Ford said. "We got outscored, 30-10, and did not provide much resistance."
The Heat, who snapped a seven-game losing streak against the Sixers, matched a season high with their fourth straight victory.
"We're definitely maturing and understanding how to close games," said Miami forward Caron Butler, who grabbed eight rebounds. "We're growing up quick."
Iverson and Kenny Thomas scored 23 points apiece for Philadelphia, which suffered their fourth straight loss and dropped four games out of a playoff spot with just 10 to play.
The Sixers came out flat against the Heat. They managed just 30 points in the first half and trailed by 13 at the intermission.
"I could sit here and tell you a million things we could have done, but we just didn't get it done," Iverson said. "It's just a frustrating season."
Thomas provided a spark for the Sixers in the third period with 13 points as his jumper pulled Philadelphia within 60-55 with 3:33 left in the quarter.
But Miami answered with an 11-2 spurt, opening a 71-57 lead on Wade's jumper with 47 seconds left in the third. Thomas' two free throws made it 85-67 with 6:56 left in the contest. The Sixers did not score again until Samuel Dalembert dunked with 15 seconds remaining.
"When we get down everyone tries to do more, but we don't try to do more together," Sixers guard Eric Snow said. "We need to focus every night."
Philadelphia's previous worst loss was a 110-80 home defeat to Boston on Feb. 7.
