| Sixers, Dalembert both playing better |
Credit for the recent surge by the Sixers can be divided into a number of areas, but one of the most important has been the consistent solid play from center Samuel Dalembert.
Since Jan. 26, the Sixers are 11-5 after beating Seattle on Friday, and Dalembert had collected double figures in rebounds in nine games, including six of the last seven. He had 22 points and 13 rebounds in the victory over the Sonics.
He blocked at least one shot in all but one game, with highs of five against Atlanta on Feb. 4 and four against the L.A. Clippers on Feb. 9. In that span, he's lost a half-point off is scoring average, which is 10.7.
But the Sixers don't look to Dalembert for scoring.
"I want him to rebound and block shots, and he's been doing that with a lot of consistency," Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks said. "I want to see him keep working at it because he has the potential to be a major rebounder."
Going into play Friday, Dalembert was averaging 10 rebounds. One of the reasons he's been able to turn in such production is that he's also playing more minutes.
He's played more than 30 minutes in 12 of the past 15 games, with a high of 45 minutes in a Feb. 23 win over Miami.
As he has played more, he has gained more confidence, and a belief that Cheeks will allow him to stay on the floor even when he makes a mistake. Players often find their productivity goes up when they feel they have the freedom to do what they need.
Dalembert said one reason he has learned to relax is that he had a meeting with Cheeks during the preseason and the two ironed out their differences.
Cheeks doesn't recall that specific meeting, but he did say he tries to talk to all of his players in an attempt to turn them into better players. Whatever the circumstances, Dalembert seems to feel that things are going well.
"This has been the most consistent time of my career," he said. "When I go out on the court now I think they know what they expect and I can give them what they need."
No Toney: Andrew Toney will not be on hand Monday when the Sixers host the Boston Celtics, the team confirmed Friday. The Sixers said Toney had agreed to come to be honored along with former teammates Reggie Johnson, Clemon Johnson and Franklin Edwards as part of the 25th anniversary of the 1982-83 championship team.
Internet news: The Sixers are teaming with Comcast SportsNet to introduce a free interactive online experience to accompany Sixers' telecasts. Called "Get to the Net" the site (comcastsportsnet.com) will offer fans a chance to take part in a number of features having to do with the game. The first one is Sunday when the Sixers visit the Milwaukee Bucks.
Used courtesy of: Courier Post |
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