With the 26th pick in the 2001 NBA draft, Philadelphia selected Samuel Dalembert from Seton Hall University. Dalembert spent eight seasons with the Sixers defending the paint and occasionally scoring. Dalembert was then traded to the Kings in exchange for Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni before the start of the 2010-11 season.
Dalembert made his first trip back to Philly since being traded and man did he come up big. With the game in Overtime, Dalembert was fouled up two and made both free throws to put the Kings up four. Those clutch free throws sealed the game and helped add to Sammy's great game.
Marcus Thornton played the second half of his life. After only scoring three points in the first half, Thornton came out firing in the third quarter. Marcus scored 19 points in the third quarter and helped keep the Kings in the game.
It looked once again like the Kings weren't going to be able to close out the game as they kept giving Philly a reason to stay in the game. Marcus Thornton made two free throws to give the Kings a two point lead with 10 seconds to go. Andre Iguodala then made one free throw and missed the other.
Beno Udrih was now at the line looking to give the Kings a three point lead and was successful. As you know tho, a Kings game is not over until there is no more time left. With four seconds left former King Spencer Hawes gave Lou Williams a pass at half-court and Williams dribbled to the three point line, pulled up, and wouldn't you know: swish.
While Lou Williams was driving, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton were in the paint having a nice cup of tea not defending the three point line. Ummmmmm, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? But then again, its typical for the Kings to give the opposing team any chance possible of coming back.
In overtime, Donte Green and Beno Udrih came up huge each with a three along with DeMarcus Cousin's three-point play. With the game coming to an end it was only right that Dalembert be the one sinking the dagger. Two clutch free throws followed by a kiss to the crowd. Dalembert tallied 13 points and 19 rebounds. Marcus had 32 points. Jrue Holiday led the Sixers with 28 points. What a finish.
The win in Philadelphia gave the Kings a 4-1 road trip and a three game winning streak, the first of the season.
The Kings now head home with a successful road trip in their bags and some smiles on their faces. They will now be getting ready to face the Suns in a Tuesday night showdown.
I'll have the liberty of being in attendance Tuesday night at Power Balance Pavilion to watch Steve Nash and his Suns. Should be a good one.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR: - I shouldn't even have to write it anymore; TURNOVERS
- Kings vs Steve Nash
- ME in the crowd