By ,
Published January 08, 2015
PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - 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 $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.
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 November 2 against Memphis after colliding with Iverson, who was then with the Grizzlies.
Sacramento rookie Tyreke Evans had 14 points, but missed 10 of the 13 shots he took from the floor. The Pennsylvania native appeared rattled by the attention he received from the crowd.
"I was probably a little nervous," Evans said. "My mind wasn't where it should have been."
(Writing by Roger Lajoie in Toronto; Editing by Alastair Himmer)
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/dalembert-brings-relief-to-sixers-and-suffering-haiti