Haiti native Samuel Dalembert racked up 17 points and 12 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Sacramento Kings 98-86 on Friday night.
Dalembert, the only Haitian playing in the NBA, donated US$100,000 to help his country’s earthquake relief efforts before the game and turned in an inspired performance to help the Sixers win for just the 13th time in 39 games this season.
“The game is a good distraction,” Dalembert told reporters. “I’m trying to do my best and contribute.”
Dalembert made all seven shots he took and had three blocks after taping a UNICEF plea for fans to support the relief efforts in his home country played on the scoreboard before the game.
“Everybody everywhere responded,” Dalembert said after fans at the game donated more than US$30,000. “We’re [the US] a nation of good hearts.”
Thaddeus Young scored 20 points for the Sixers and Allen Iverson also added 17 and had six assists.
Andre Iguodala contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Elton Brand had 14 points as he continued with his reserve role for the Sixers after an injury layoff.
“I’m glad to be out there and contribute to winning,” said Brand, returning to fitness after a month out with a dislocated shoulder. “That’s what hurt the most, losing and not being out there. Being out there trying to help, you feel good about yourself.”
The Kings, on the first game of a six-game road trip, attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, but a 10-0 run by the Sixers midway through the quarter sealed the victory.
Kevin Martin returned to Sacramento’s lineup for the first time in 32 games and scored 19 points. He suffered a wrist injury on Nov. 2 against Memphis after colliding with Iverson, who was then with the Grizzlies.
■PORTLAND VS ORLANDO
AP, PORTLAND, OREGON
The Portland TrailBlazers crept within a game of the NBA Northwest Division lead and knocked Orlando off the top of the Southeast with a 102-87 win over the Magic on Friday.
Portland won despite missing Brandon Roy with a sore right hamstring, partly thanks to Orlando star Dwight Howard having an off night, making just four of seven attempts from the field.
Martell Webster had 24 points and nine rebounds, and LaMarcus Aldridge added 14 points and 14 rebounds for Portland, which edged within a game of Denver.
Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson each had 15 points to lead the Magic, who fell a half game behind Atlanta in the Southeast.
■HAWKS VS SUNS
AFP, ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Jamal Crawford nailed a game winning three-point basket at the buzzer as Atlanta rallied from a four-point deficit with 10 seconds left to beat Phoenix 102-101 on Friday.
“We drew it up to get an easy basket,” Atlanta star Joe Johnson said. “Luckily, we were able to get the three.”
The Hawks trailed 100-96 after Steve Nash hit two free throws with 10 seconds left. Atlanta squeezed two more possessions out of the clock, however, and Phoenix missed a couple of chances to ice the game.
Amare Stoudemire was fouled and missed one of his free throws. After a timeout, Mike Bibby inbounded the ball to Crawford, who launched an 8.5m shot over Jared Dudley.
“I knew I was going for a win,” Crawford said. “It felt good. I started backing the other way.”
The Hawks celebrated on the court while the officials reviewed the replay video just to make sure Crawford got off the shot in time.
Al Horford led the Hawks with 24 points, while Josh Smith had 20 points and 15 rebounds. Crawford finished with 21 points and gave the Hawks a chance to reclaim first in the NBA’s Southeast Division.
“Everything had to go right,” coach Mike Woodson said. “We were able to pull off the miracle at the end.”
In other NBA play, it was:
• Lakers 126, Clippers 86
• Mavericks 99, Thunder 98
• Heat 115, Rockets 106
• Bobcats 92, Spurs 76
• Raptors 112, Knicks 104
• Pistons 110, Hornets 104, OT
• Bulls 121, Wizards 119, 2OT
• Grizzlies 135, T’wolves 110
• Bucks 113, Warriors 104
• Pacers 121, Nets 105
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