PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- No one is doubting the sportsmanship of the Indiana Pacers. Still, there might have been another reason to dismiss the Philadelphia 76ers with hugs and pleasantries after sweeping them out of the playoffs. Larry Bird and Reggie Miller know that you don't anger an opponent, no matter how easily vanquished, because he might come back to haunt you someday. Such is the surprising, promising state of the Sixers. A franchise that has suffered inordinately for the better part of a decade, and still carries the ugly stain of the NBA's worst record ever in 1972-73, suddenly is emerging as the team to watch in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers' accomplishments under the sometimes rocky stewardship of Allen Iverson and coach Larry Brown were perhaps best captured in the closing seconds of their 89-86 loss Sunday to the Pacers. For starters, the Sixers got swept 4-0 in a playoff series and received a standing ovation. In Philadelphia, that never happens. ``We accomplished a lot,'' said Iverson, who won the NBA scoring title and grew up immeasurably during Philadelphia's first winning season since 1990-91. ``It was exciting for the fans and for us. People appreciated it, and we appreciated their support.'' Where do the young Sixers go from here? In the eyes of the aging, powerful team that beat them, nowhere but up. ``This should be a great experience for them,'' said Bird, the Pacers' coach and winner of three NBA titles as a player with the Boston Celtics. ``Larry Brown has done a terrific job with them and Allen Iverson is a great player.'' It was never a given that Brown and Iverson would be able to put aside their differences in the name of winning. Brown's marvelous track record for reviving dead franchises was well documented, as was Iverson's habit of letting his talent get sidetracked by competing interests pulling him in all the wrong directions. Iverson and Brown feuded again this season, Brown's second in Philadelphia, when Iverson took exception to a benching during an April 2 game against Cleveland. But instead of withdrawing, Iverson quickly apologized and vowed to make amends with Brown. He won his first scoring title, but not at the team's peril. Iverson told some friends who have caused trouble for him in the past that he won't tolerate it any more. No longer paranoid about his celebrity status or fearful of enemies, he even fired his bodyguard, Terry Royster, last week. That's a savings of $100,000 a year. ``His growth has been the most significant thing about the whole year,'' Brown said. ``He's the reason for any success we're having,'' Iverson said of his coach. The Sixers, in the playoffs for the first time since 1991, did much more than advance to the second round. They got the jaded fans of Philadelphia to enjoy the ride. The First Union Center, previously pulsing with boos and profanity for the home team, was transformed into a raucous arena with one of the toughest home-court advantages in the league. Miller said Indiana fans, who epitomize basketball hysteria, ``need to take a good example from Philadelphia.'' All too often in the Sixers' rocky recent past, Philadelphia has been the land of bad examples. But the buzz around town during the playoff drive was that attending a Sixers game was like watching college basketball. In fact, in the immediate circle of Sixers goings-on, the team took on the strange aura of a high school team. The players' parents, starting with Iverson's mother, Ann, clamored for attention. Matt Geiger's father, Dick, offered opinions about ``the guys,'' which ended up in the newspaper. But now that the ride is over, reality sets in. Better results are expected next time. Iverson will be older and wiser, turning 24 a week from Monday. High-flying rookie Larry Hughes will be 21 a few weeks before the All-Star break. The Sixers have no first-round draft picks and no salary cap room. So general manager Billy King is scanning rosters for a small forward with shooting ability and the desire to play for the middle class exception, $2 million. ``My goal is to win a championship,'' team president Pat Croce said. ``And I will do everything in my power.'' Finally, reason to look forward to next year. -=-=- 