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Kings cool off Trail Blazers

Dec 24, 2012 - 6:06 AM Sacramento, CA (Sports Network) - In the wake of DeMarcus Cousins' indefinite suspension, the Kings responded with an impressive performance.

Marcus Thornton led six Sacramento players in double figures with 22 points and the Kings ended the Portland Trail Blazers' five-game winning streak with a 108-96 victory on Sunday.

Without Cousins, who was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team on Saturday, and an injured Tyreke Evans, the Kings recorded a season-best 31 assists.

"Everybody was into the game, cheering for one another," said Thornton. "That's what we need. Guys played very unselfish tonight."

John Salmons posted 15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Travis Outlaw and Isaiah Thomas contributed 15 and 11 points, respectively, in the win.

LaMarcus Aldridge and J.J. Hickson each contributed double-doubles, but Portland was denied a chance at matching its longest winning streak since a six-game run in February of last season.

Aldridge tallied 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Hickson totaled 14 points and 11 boards.

The Trail Blazers stayed within striking distance for most of the first three quarters until back-to-back shots from Aaron Brooks at the end of third gave Sacramento an 80-71 advantage going into the fourth.

His pull up jumper and triple sparked a 12-0 Kings run to give them a comfortable 16-point cushion that the Blazers could not overcome.

"(The Kings) shot the ball very well in the second half and we couldn't keep up with them," said Portland coach Terry Stotts.

Portland held a 27-21 lead at the conclusion of the first period, but Sacramento responded with a strong second quarter to grab the momentum.

After the Trail Blazers scored the first two baskets of the quarter, the Kings ripped off an 28-7 run to grab a 48-38 lead.

Game Notes

The Kings improved to 8-1 on the season when leading after three quarters ... Hickson posted a double-double for the eighth straight game ... Portland was without Wesley Matthews, who aggravated a hip injury in Saturday's night win over Phoenix ... Damian Lillard tallied 15 points and seven assists for Portland.