Kings 95, Trail Blazers 92
Marcus Thornton scored 20 points in his return to help the Sacramento Kings to a 95-92 victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, ending a five-game losing streak Thursday night.
Thornton, who sat out four games with a left thigh hematoma, led a solid Kings performance. John Salmons had 19 points and eight rebounds and Tyreke Evans added 18 points.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 28 points and 14 rebounds for Portland, which had won 11 of 12 against the Kings. Jamal Crawford scored 17 points while Raymond Felton had 15 points and 10 assists.
Aldridge made his first six shots and had 19 points in the first half, helping Portland to a 56-47 halftime lead. But the Blazers shot just 6 of 24 in the third quarter and Sacramento rallied to go ahead 71-69 entering the fourth quarter.
After Portland tied the score late, the Kings scored the next five points for a 93-88 lead with 1:12 remaining. Gerald Wallace got the Trail Blazers to 93-90 but Evans sank a jumper with 19.2 seconds remaining for a 95-90 lead.
Aldridge answered with a layup and Felton missed a 3-pointer from the left wing.