Kings 96, Hornets 80
Tyreke Evans led the way with 27 points as the Sacramento Kings snapped a three-game losing streak with a 96-80 victory over the visiting New Orleans Hornets on Sunday.
Former Hornet Marcus Thornton added 25 points and six rebounds and John Salmons scored 13 points for the Kings, who managed to hold an opponent under 90 points for the first time this season.
The Sacramento defense was particularly effective on the perimeter, where New Orleans finished 0 of 15 from beyond the arc.
The Hornets held a 40-38 lead at the half but had their defense abandon them in the third quarter as the Kings sprinted ahead. Evans, Salmons and Thornton each drove the lane for easy baskets during an 8-0 run to grab the lead. Evans then went to work from the outside, burying a 21-foot jumper and a 3-pointer.
Salmons and Thornton each added a 3-pointer as Sacramento extended the lead out to 64-50 with 4:22 left in the frame.
Evans buried a deep 3-pointer and dunked in transition on the ensuing possession in the fourth quarter to push the lead to 90-72 and put the game away.
Chris Kaman recorded 14 points and 15 rebounds for New Orleans, while Trevor Ariza added 17 points.