Never a dull moment in Philly.(The Orlando Sentinel)

PHILADELPHIA_They form a magnet for controversy, a defiant, explosive star, a paranoid, passionate coach and a bubbly, hands-on owner who often must interpret for both.

It's a strange, volatile mixture, ready to detonate at any time. Yet it has formed the basis for arguably the best team in the NBA.

The Philadelphia 76ers have no dull moments.

Allen Iverson, Larry Brown and Pat Croce_the 76ers' star, coach and owner, respectively_have sparked hopes of an NBA title in Philadelphia for the first time in almost 20 years. But the Sixers (35-11) head into tonight's game against the Orlando Magic (21-23) trying to fight off yet another storm, one more distraction involving Iverson.

He may be the toughest and most fearless player in the league_preparing to take his place as the greatest little man in basketball history (he's 6 feet, 165 pounds) -- but he also is a lightning rod for brush fires. The Sixers' latest nightmare began Sunday in Indianapolis, when Iverson started jousting verbally with hecklers behind the 76ers' bench.

The verbal sparring drew the attention of the league office and the minority group he offended by calling one man a derogatory term for homosexuals.

It also reopened the debate over how much abuse players are expected to take from fans before firing back. Despite being one of the game's best players_a serious MVP candidate this season_Iverson often is heckled because of his outlaw image.