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Kings open lengthy homestand vs. Hornets

Mar 7, 2012 - 3:52 PM (Sports Network) - The Sacramento City Council officially approved a financing plan Tuesday night to help the Kings build a new $391 million sports arena.

With that bit of good news off the floor, Sacramento will attempt to halt a four-game losing streak on it when the club kicks off a franchise-record nine- game homestand against the Western Conference-worst New Orleans Hornets.

Under the agreed upon financing plan, the city will contribute $255.5 million to the arena project. The Kings, meanwhile, have agreed to ante up $73.25 million and arena operator AEG will chip in $58.75 million.

"Tonight's vote was an important next step in the process to construct a new entertainment and sports complex in Sacramento," The Kings and the Maloof family said in a statement. " On behalf of our entire family and the Kings organization, we want to thank everyone who has helped move this forward, especially the NBA, City Council, Mayor Kevin Johnson, the Think Big Sacramento Committee, and most importantly, our dedicated employees and loyal fans. We're all excited."

The arena is scheduled to open for the 2015-16 season in the downtown rail yards.

Things haven't been quite as rosy on the hardwood for the Kings, who are coming off a tough 119-116 overtime loss in Denver on Monday. Ty Lawson made a three-pointer with four seconds left in the extra frame to lift the Nuggets in that one.

Marcus Thornton and Tyreke Evans each finished with 27 points for the Kings, who have dropped four straight overall. John Salmons and Jason Thompson had 14 and 13 points, respectively.

"It just came down to micro moments of management and we didn't come through at that time," Kings head coach Keith Smart, whose contract was extended through 2012-13 on Monday, said.

Sacramento, which is 8-6 at Power Balance Pavilion, will also face Dallas, Atlanta, Golden State, Detroit, Boston, Minnesota, Memphis and Utah on its long residency.

The Hornets dropped the opener of a four-game road trip on Monday in Portland, 86-74.

Marco Belinelli netted 18 points to pace the Hornets, who have lost four of five and six of eight overall. Chris Kaman had 10 points and 11 boards but shot just 4-of-13 from the field in defeat.

"Offensively the last few games we've kind of been struggling, figuring everything out, and it's not easy," Kaman said. "This Trail Blazers team does a good job. They put a lot of pressure on you. We didn't come out tonight and we didn't play the way we're capable of playing."

NOLA is just 5-13 away from the Bayou this season and will finish its trip with visits to Denver and Minnesota.

The Kings already topped the Hornets twice this season, including a 96-80 win in Sac-Town back on New Year's Day.