The 76ers’ players admit that they often try to get into the head of center Samuel Dalembert, giving him constant encouragement because of his vast potential. At times, he can play like an all-star, and on other occasions, he tends to disappear.

Last night was one of those times when he showed up in every sense of the word. Dalembert came one block short of a triple-double during the Sixers’ 98-94 win against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves.

It was the fourth consecutive win for the Sixers, who are 9-13 overall and 6-7 at the Wachovia Center.

Tying a career high with nine blocked shots, Dalembert also registered 18 points and 11 rebounds in easily his best performance of the season.

“They have always been on me because they think I have the potential to be a great player,” Dalembert said of his teammates.