Iverson's heroics help Nuggets earn key victory

Allen Iverson scored 17 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter and Linas Kleiza hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 15.8 seconds to play, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 96-93 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.

Iverson made a crucial steal that set up his clinching free throws after Kleiza's shot. Carmelo Anthony had 23 points, helping Denver win its fifth consecutive game.

"It's a good thing that at the end of the season we're concentrating on defense, because that's going to win basketball games for us going into the playoffs," Iverson said. "We understand that we can score points, but our whole thing right now is stopping people on the defensive end and letting the offense come to us."

There was plenty at stake for both clubs, who are among four teams that came in separated by three games in the race for the last three Western Conference playoff berths. The victory helped Denver tie the Los Angeles Lakers for sixth place and gave the Nuggets the advantage over the Clippers in any scenario in which the teams finish tied.

The Clippers are one game ahead of the Warriors for the final spot.

"I think the sky's the limit for us," said Iverson, who has four NBA scoring titles but no championship rings. "We can keep that sixth spot if we just concentrate on one game at a time and not look past any teams."

Corey Maggette scored 24 points and Elton Brand had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Clippers, who squandered 15-point second-quarter lead - and a chance to go over the .500 mark for the first time since Feb. 5. Forward Tim Thomas left the game with 5:47 left in the second quarter after spraining his right wrist.

"It is a setback," Brand said. "It's definitely disappointing, especially when you had a game like this, leading the majority of the game. Now we have to go on the road and do what we have to do."

The Clippers held a 74-66 edge after three quarters. The Nuggets, coming off their best defensive effort of the season in a 75-71 win over the league-leading Dallas Mavericks, pulled even at 83-all with 11 points from Iverson in a 5:22 stretch - including a three-pointer with 3:58 remaining.

Brand's layup regained the lead for Los Angeles with 44 seconds to go, but Kleiza responded with his clutch shot near the Clippers' bench.