Bobcats pound 76ers 102-87 for fourth straight victory

Bobcats pound 76ers for 4th straight victory

PHILADELPHIA — Gerald Wallace scored 28 points on 9-for-10 shooting from the field, Stephen Jackson added 24 points and 10 rebounds, and the Charlotte Bobcats won their fourth straight game with a 102-87 victory over the reeling Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

Boris Diaw contributed 13 points for the Bobcats (32-31), who entered the game in seventh place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Bobcats, who have never advanced to the postseason in their six seasons, improved to just 9-23 on the road.

Tyson Chandler had 12, while D.J. Augustin and Tyrus Thomas had 10 apiece for Charlotte.

Rodney Carney led the Sixers with 14 points. Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday each added 13 for Philadelphia, which fell to 23-41 and 10-20 at the Wachovia Center.

Fans began leaving the arena and booing before the third quarter even ended as the Sixers fell behind by as many as 29. Philadelphia trailed 85-58 after the third.

The Sixers managed an 8-0 run to open the fourth to cut it to 85-66. But they never got within double figures as they managed 21 turnovers, tying a season high set Tuesday night in a 107-96 loss at Indiana.

The Bobcats used a 13-0 run in the third quarter to extend a 12-point lead to 77-52 with 4:11 remaining. Wallace scored seven points during the spurt.

Before the game, Sixers coach Eddie Jordan was answering questions about his job security.

The Sixers then fell behind 62-44 at halftime. As the players walked off the court, boos kept careening down from the half-empty arena.

“I don’t think Coach has lost the locker room,” Sixers guard Lou Williams said before the game. “We haven’t been playing well. We haven’t had good results. It’s been a frustrating season, but I feel like we’re playing hard.”

Charlotte shot 59 percent from the field, including 5 for 8 from 3-point territory in the first half.

NOTES: Bobcats coach Larry Brown, on an SI.com report linking him to the Los Angeles Clippers. “I can’t stop stuff from getting out,” he said. “I love coaching. I love being around (owner) Michael (Jordan). I don’t know how that stuff gets started.” The 37 first-quarter points allowed were a season high for the Sixers. … Charlotte C Nazr Mohammed missed the game with back spasms. … Sixers director of statistical information Harvey Pollack celebrated his 88th birthday.