It was just the fourth time in 13 games that the Sixers defeated a playoff-bound team.

"It was important because you want to make a statement heading into the playoffs," said forward Tyrone Hill. "You don't want teams to think they can come in your house and have an easy time."

The victory pushed Philly's record with Mutombo to 14-11, but they are 4-9 against playoff teams since the trade. Many of those losses, though, came with Iverson out with an injured hip.

"I'm encouraged when we win with defense and rebounding," Sixers coach Larry Brown said. "The little kid (Iverson) made two big shots. (George) Lynch made a big tip-in. When they got within two points, we made defensive stops. That is the only way this team is going to survive."

Said Iverson: "We had three games to get ready for the playoffs," Iverson said. "I never really got worried at all. I felt like we could use those games to get it done."

QUICK STUFF: Iverson scored his 9,000th career point on a free throw in the first quarter. ... The Sixers won three of four against the Knicks this season, including a sweep at Madison Square Garden. ... Mutombo reached 1,000 rebounds for the fourth time in his career. ... The Sixers outrebounded New York 49-33.

Personnel File

SIXERS HOPE FOR '83 ENCORE The Sixers last week wrapped up homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs by sealing the the No. 1 seed in Eastern conference. The last time Philadelphia had the conference's best record was 1983, the Dr. J-led club that swept the Lakers to win the NBA championship.

"It's special," Iverson said. "We had a lot of bumps in the road. We stayed focused, we got it done. But it's only the first step."

Brown downplayed the top-slot status.

"It doesn't mean anything to me right now," Brown said about clinching the top seed in the East. "It's a tremendous accomplishment, but we won (two) series the last two years without having home-court advantage so I don't think we can take anything for granted."

KEY MINUTES: When Kevin Ollie was signed in December, the move was seen strictly as one for insurance. But with a backcourt racked with injuries, the journeyman guard is getting more playing time with the postseason getting close.

Ollie, who is averaging around 3.5 points a game, already had a taste of some big moments this season when he hit an 18-foot jumper that helped lead the short-handed 76ers to a win over Detroit. After the game he said he probably hadn't hit such an important shot since he was in the CBA.

With Larry Brown unsure if he is going to activate point guard Craig "Speedy" Claxton, and Eric Snow battling pain in his troublesome ankle, Ollie's presence on the 76ers roster has gone from practice fodder to role player.

The 6-4 Ollie has played for the 76ers and Magic twice, along with Mavericks, Kings and Nets.

Noteworthy

WHATTA FOOL: The 76ers were dealt an embarrassing blow off the court when the team confirmed that John Croce, the brother of 76ers president Pat Croce, resigned as the team's weight and conditioning coach on Jan. 12 after he was caught on videotape pilfering money from Allen Iverson's pants in the locker room.