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Kings handle skidding Hornets

Feb 7, 2012 - 4:48 AM New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - DeMarcus Cousins had a double-double with a season-high 28 points to go with 19 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings over the New Orleans Hornets, 100-92, at New Orleans Arena on Monday.

"I just wanted to go out and help our team get this win tonight," said Cousins. "Put all the stats aside, the main thing is we got the win tonight and that's all that matters."

Tyreke Evans contributed 20 points and rookie Isaiah Thomas added 17 off the bench as the Kings won their third straight game.

New Orleans had five players in double figures led by Greivis Vasquez, who had 20 points and nine assists. Emeka Okafor had 19 points and Chris Kaman added a 10 point, 12 rebound double-double in his first game since January 23 for a Hornets team that has dropped six straight and 15 of 16.

"Give them credit," said Hornets head coach Monty Williams. "They came out with more intensity. We gave up 61 points in a half after holding them to 39 points in the first half. It's a tale of two halves once again, and down the stretch in the fourth quarter, we can't pull the game out."

Sacramento started the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run as it pulled within two, 78-76, with just under nine minutes to go.

After an Evans layup made it 80-80 with 6:44 left in the game, and the Kings outscored the Hornets 20-12 down the stretch to complete the comeback victory.

New Orleans got off to a hot start ripping off a 15-4 run in the first five minutes en route to a 29-20 lead after one quarter of play.

Xavier Henry scored eight straight points for the Hornets, extending their lead to 40-27 with 6:44 left until halftime.

New Orleans maintained its 13-point lead, 52-39 heading to intermission.

The Kings cut into the New Orleans lead, but Vasquez finished the third quarter with a driving layup to put the Hornets up 78-69.

Game Notes

Sacramento will travel to Minnesota for the second of a back-to-back on Tuesday, while New Orleans will host Chicago on Wednesday...New Orleans had won five straight home games against Sacramento entering the game...The all- time series is now tied 30-30...Both teams shot 33.3 percent from long range.