Timberwolves 99 - 115 Kings
Final
  for this game

Kings continue record homestand with win over T'Wolves

Mar 19, 2012 - 1:37 AM Sacramento, CA (Sports Network) - Marcus Thornton scored 24 points, Isaiah Thomas had 18 and the Sacramento Kings went over .500 on a franchise-record homestand Sunday with a 115-99 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Kings improved to 4-3 on the nine-game residency with their second win in a row.

John Salmons added 15 points, Jason Thompson scored 13 with 10 rebounds and Charles Hayes and Donte Green combined for 23 points off the bench in a game Sacramento led by as many as 20.

The lopsided win came on the heels of a 120-95 victory over Boston on Friday, which had followed three straight losses in which the Kings gave up at least 106 points in each game.

Sacramento coach Keith Smart, asked what the difference was between the games, said his team had been distracted leading up to the trade deadline by factors like wondering if their friends would be dealt -- and also, by the rain.

"I didn't know that team," Smart said.

Kevin Love had 21 points and 11 rebounds for Minnesota but had to be separated from J.J. Barea after exchanging words with his teammate during a timeout late in the game.

The Timberwolves have lost five of six to fall two games below .500 for the season. They are 1-3 on a seven-game road trip. Forward Michael Beasley (toe) returned after missing two games and scored 13 points in the loss.

The game was tied 57-57 at halftime, but the Kings took the lead for good on DeMarcus Cousins' two free throws to open the third quarter scoring.

It was the start of a 12-4 run, capped by five straight points from Thornton, that gave Sacramento a 69-61 lead.

The Timberwolves got as close as three several times before the end of the quarter, but the Kings carried a 90-82 lead into the fourth and ended up leading by double digits for the final 10-plus minutes.

The advantage reached 20 points twice down the stretch on a Donte Green three and Jimmer Fredette bank-shot.

Earlier, Love had nine points for the Timberwolves and Thomas scored nine for the Kings in a tight first quarter that ended with Minnesota on top, 31-28.

Game Notes

The Timberwolves had won two previous meetings with the Kings this season, both at home. Their road trip continues at Golden State on Monday... The Kings' homestand continues against Memphis on Tuesday.






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