WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Michael Jordan got help from hot-shooting Richard Hamilton in the second half Saturday night and the Washington Wizards rallied for a 90-76 victory in their home opener over the Philadelphia 76ers, who are off to their worst start in four years.
NBC's first NBA telecast prior to Christmas since 1990 -- its first year as the network rights holder -- was being billed as a showdown between superstars Jordan, who has returned after a three-year hiatus, and Iverson, who won the MVP last season as he led the 76ers to the NBA Finals.
But Jordan played erratically and Iverson did not play at all, opting to rest his surgically repaired right elbow. Iverson practiced Friday, but indicated it was unlikely he would play.
Hamilton filled the offensive void with 21 of his 29 points in the second half, when Washington outscored Philadelphia 44-10 during one extended stretch.
Without two-time scoring champion Iverson, the Sixers appeared lost on offense in the second half. They often settled for poor outside shots and scored just 33 points after halftime.
Jordan scored 20 points while hitting seven of 21 from the field. Working primarily against Matt Harpring, his shooting rhythm clearly was not there, but he did not allow it to affect other aspects of his game and showed trust in his teammates with nine assists.
Rookie Speedy Claxton scored 22 points for Philadelphia, which fell to 0-3. The Sixers lost their first five games under coach Larry Brown to start the 1997-98 season. Last year, they won their first 10 en route to the Atlantic Division title.
The Wizards (2-1) ended a six-game losing streak against the Sixers dating to Nov. 24, 1999.
