Ivey is contributing at both ends of court

www.phillyburbs.com
By Tom Moore

The 76ers signed Royal Ivey to a fifth-year minimum salary of $855,000 primarily because of the way he defends. They like the on-the-ball pressure he applies and that he can guard the 1, 2 and 3 positions.

While Ivey is helping the Sixers with his defense -- as evidenced by the work he did on superstar Dwyane Wade (one point, 0-for-4 shooting) in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 94-84 victory over the Heat -- he is also making a difference on the offensive end.

Ivey accounted for 10 of his 11 points in the final period, in which the 25-24 Sixers overtook 26-23 Miami by outscoring the Heat 31-15 in the quarter. The 6-foot-4 guard went 2-for-2 from the 3-point line in the period.

“He gives us a big boost off the bench,” said Sixers coach Tony DiLeo. “He’s really got confidence and has developed a 3-point shot.”

Ivey takes a great deal of pride in his defense and knows that is his calling card, even though he has worked hard to improve his jump shot. He viewed being the primary defender on Wade in the fourth quarter as a personal challenge.

“(Wade is) a great player,” Ivey said. “Once he gets it, you’re at his mercy. I was trying to deny him the ball and I stayed with him.”

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