Philadelphia: The Toronto Raptors rallied for a 128-123 overtime victory over the slumping Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday to maintain their advantage for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Toronto's Chris Bosh, who had 28 points and 12 rebounds, and Jose Calderon played major roles in the win but not before Philadelphia had stormed back from a 17-point third-quarter deficit to take the lead with a minute to play in regulation.
Calderon hit a three-pointer with 42.9 seconds left to force overtime and Bosh delivered two key field goals in the extra session.
"It was a real good win for us, but we blew a big lead," Bosh told reporters.
The Raptors (38-37) maintained their game-and-a-half lead over the Chicago Bulls in the race for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Bulls (36-39) play the Charlotte Bobcats later on Saturday.
"We had the momentum, but they went to a small lineup," Raptors coach Jay Triano said of Philadelphia's comeback. "Then we had turnovers and they started making shots. But we figured a way to come back."
A loss could have been costly for the Raptors, who have seven games left in the regular season.
Bosh broke a 122-122 tie with a layup with about two minutes left in overtime. His bank shot then gave the Raptors a 126-123 advantage.
Centre Andrea Bargnani added 23 points and five other players joined Bosh in double figures.
Andre Iguodala led Philadelphia with 33 points and 11 assists but he scored only three points in the extra session, which Toronto dominated.
Rookie guard Jrue Holiday, whose jumper tied the score at 122-122 with two minutes to play, followed Iguodale in scoring with 25 points.
