Brown says he wants Iverson back with 76ers

PHILADELPHIA -- Allen Iverson doesn't have to worry about trade rumors. Larry Brown plans to keep the star guard in Philadelphia.

One day after Iverson expressed displeasure with Brown for indicating that he could be on the trading block, the 76ers coach said Wednesday that last year's NBA MVP isn't going anywhere.

"I told him, 'You can tell your daughter not to worry about it. Daddy's going to be living in Philadelphia,"' Brown said.

In a bizarre 30-minute news conference Tuesday, an emotional Iverson lashed out against questions about his practice habits, said he was bothered by criticism from Brown and hurt that his 7-year-old daughter, Tiaura, had to endure questions regarding his situation with the team.

"I'm the best player; I feel I'm the best player. I believe that. But franchise players don't go through this," Iverson said. "Franchise players' daughters don't have to go to school and hear, 'Is your daddy coming back?'; 'What's going on with your daddy and coach Brown?' She's seven years old and that's what she's got to deal with. It hurt, because I know I'm better than that."

Celtics 85, Pistons 77

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. --Paul Pierce led a balanced attack with 22 points as the Celtics beat Detroit 85-77 to even the Eastern Conference semifinals with their first road win of the playoffs.

Eric Williams scored points 18 for the Celtics, while Antoine Walker had 15, Rodney Rogers 13 and Kenny Anderson 11.

Jerry Stackhouse led Detroit with 25 points.

Boston held Detroit to 32.9 percent shooting, its worst of the season, and outrebounded the Pistons 53-35.

Elsewhere

GRIZZLIES: A bond issue to finance a $250 million arena for the Memphis Grizzlies got final approval. The Shelby County Commission voted 11-2 in favor of the bond issue, which the Memphis City Council approved in April. The Memphis & Shelby County Sports Authority will issue revenue bonds to finance construction of the arena near the Beale Street entertainment district. Work on the arena is expected to begin this month and be finished in time for the 2004-05 season.

-- From wire reports