D'Alembert brings relief to the Sixers and alleviates the suffering.

by gleiseo3 on 2012-02-28 10:15:02

Philadelphia (Reuters) - Haiti native Samuel Dalembert collected 17 points and 12 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Sacramento Kings 98-86 on Friday night. Dalembert, the only Haitian player in the NBA, donated $100,000 to help his country's earthquake relief efforts before the game and turned in an inspired performance to help the Sixers win just their 13th time in 39 games this season. "The game was a good distraction," Dalembert told reporters. "I'm trying to do my best and contribute." Dalembert hit all seven of his shots and had three blocks after a UNICEF appeal for fans to support rescue efforts in his homeland played on the scoreboard before the game. "Everybody, everywhere responded," Dalembert said after fans at the game donated more than $30,000. "We are (the United States), a nation with a big heart." Thaddeus Young scored 20 points for the Sixers and Allen Iverson added 17 points and had six assists. Andre Iguodala contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while Elton Brand scored 14 points while continuing in his role as a reserve for the Sixers following an injury layoff. "I'm happy to be here and contribute to winning," Brand stated, returning to fitness after a month with a dislocated shoulder. "That's what hurt the most, losing and not being out there. Being out there trying to help you, it feels good about yourself." The Kings, in their first game of a six-game road trip, attempted a rally in the fourth quarter, but a 10-0 run from the Sixers sealed the victory. Kevin Martin returned to the Sacramento lineup for the first time in 32 games and scored 19 points. He suffered a wrist injury on November 2 against Memphis after colliding with Iverson, who was then with the rookie Grizzlies. Sacramento's Tyreke Evans scored 14 points but missed 10 of the 13 shots he took from the floor. The Pennsylvania native appeared shaken by the attention he received from the crowd. "I was probably a little nervous," Evans explained. "My mind wasn't where it should have been." (Written by Roger Lajoie in Toronto; Editing by Alastair Himmer)