Samuel Dalembert has become a factor for the 76ers. After an up-and-down first two months of the season, Dalembert is averaging 11.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots and shooting 20-of-28 (.714) in the last six games.
"He's been playing great," said Sixers head coach Tony DiLeo. "He doesn't have to score for us (to be successful). If he does what he did (against the Knicks) -- rebound, play defense and block some shots -- then he's invaluable for us." Dalembert, the Sixers' starting center, contributed 10 points, a game-high 17 rebounds -- the most in the NBA Saturday -- and three blocks in 35 minutes of a six-point home win over New York.
"I think he did a tremendous job of taking care of the middle," said guard/forward Andre Iguodala. "He controlled the lane."
Dalembert, who had a game-high 12 rebounds, eight points and two blocks in Monday's 101-86 road loss to the Hornets, said he's just trying to make the most of his time on the floor.
"I'm finding a way to make an impact before I go back to the bench," Dalembert said. "I just take pride in defense."
HORNETS 101, SIXERS 86: Chris Paul dominated the Sixers with 27 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and seven steals, giving him his fifth triple-double of the season. The Hornets outscored the Sixers 42-6 on three-pointers, with Peja Stojakovic (26 points) torching Philly by knocking down six second-half three-pointers. The Sixers, who were unable to take advantage of New Orleans being without starting big men Tyson Chandler and David West, missed eight free throws (14-for-22) and had more turnovers (22) than assists (20).
Thaddeus Young led the Sixers (21-22) with 22 points and Andre Miller added 19 points, though he had four assists and six turnovers. Philly lost for only the second time in 10 games.
