Philadelphia ? Allen Iverson is becoming quite a passer.

Iverson had 24 points and tied a season-high with 12 assists, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 108-101 victory Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.

Keith Van Horn had 20 points and Kenny Thomas added 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Sixers, 20-5 since the All-Star break. They trail first-place New Jersey by a half-game in the Atlantic Division. The Nets lost at New Orleans.

Iverson, having his best all-around season, has averaged 9.4 assists during his last five games. He put on a passing clinic early, getting assists on a no-look pass, an over-the-shoulder feed and a behind-the-back pass.

“I’m just playing basketball, taking what defenses give me,” Iverson said. “When guys are open, I try to get them the ball. I’m trying to play the right way.”

Jay Williams scored 23 points and Donyell Marshall had 18 points and 11 rebounds for Chicago, which has lost four in a row. The Bulls fell to 3-36 on the road. They are 23-14 at home.

“It was just some untimely mistakes,” Bulls coach Bill Cartwright said. “I don’t think it was them, it was us.”

The Sixers used a 10-0 run in the third quarter to take a 70-62 lead. Eric Snow started the spurt with four consecutive free throws. Brian Skinner followed with a slam, Greg Buckner made a driving layup and Iverson finished the burst with two free throws.

Knicks 83, Nuggets 75

Denver — Allan Houston had 27 points and Latrell Sprewell added 16 as New York beat Denver to keep its slim playoff hopes alive. New York ended a three-game losing streak to remain 3 1/2 games behind Milwaukee for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with seven games left.

Celtics 90, Heat 62

Boston — Paul Pierce scored 28 points and Boston coasted to a win against Miami as the Heat tied their lowest-scoring game of the season. The Celtics never trailed.

Hornets 106, Nets 97

New Orleans — The New Orleans Hornets clinched their fourth straight playoff spot. Jamal Mashburn scored 24 points, Baron Davis and George Lynch each added 19 as the Hornets beat New Jersey.

Kings 105, Wizards 99

Washington — Chris Webber torched his old team again for 28 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Kings took control in the second quarter and held on.

Spurs 105, Grizzlies 87

Memphis, Tenn. — Tim Duncan scored 33 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, leading an inside dominance by San Antonio.

Bucks 106, Rockets 99

Milwaukee — Sam Cassell scored 20 points as Milwaukee erased a 13-point deficit for a victory against Houston.

Timberwolves 91, Sonics 86

Minneapolis — Troy Hudson scored 31 points and Kevin Garnett added 20, leading Minnesota past Seattle.

Pacers 103, Cavaliers 82

Cleveland — Al Harrington scored 24 points to lead Indiana past Cleveland. Harrington started for injured center Jermaine O’Neal, who sat out because of a sprained right ankle.

Raptors 89, Pistons 78

Auburn Hills, Mich. — Vince Carter scored 18 points and Jerome Williams had 11 points and 16 rebounds as Toronto ended a seven-game road losing streak.