John Salmons was off to the best start of his three-plus NBA seasons. More aggressive. More consistent. Scoring in double figures in 10 of the 76ers' first 13 games. He said in training camp that this would be a breakout year, and to that point, it was.

Since then, he has had three straight 1-for-5 games, a 1-for-10 against Charlotte and a scoreless 16 minutes against New Jersey.

Was the weight of more responsibility in the regular rotation catching up to him? Was he even the slightest bit weary?

"I just think it's part of being a pro, part of playing on a consistent basis," Salmons said last night after scoring 11 points in 12 minutes, 22 seconds of a 106-101 victory over Atlanta, helping the Sixers stretch their winning steak to four games.

"It's a matter of having your ups and downs, part of being out there on a consistent basis. Allen [Iverson] can score 30 a game, but there aren't too many people in the league who are up all season.

"I feel [fresh]; I don't feel like my body is tired. I want to play every game. I want to play 48 minutes a game."

One theory is that, as much as Iverson and Chris Webber have figured out how to play together (they combined for 68 points against the Hawks), they haven't as clearly figured out how to consistently involve the other three players on the court with them. At the same time, the others haven't necessarily figured out their responsibilities.

Salmons didn't question the premise; nor did he agree with it. But here's what he did say: "I know there's more going on than meets the eye." He did not elaborate.