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Artest, Kings pay back Timberwolves

Nov 7, 2006 - 5:47 AM SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- The Sacramento Kings owed at least one to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ron Artest led a balanced attack with 22 points as the Kings defeated the Timberwolves, 93-81, in their home opener.

Sacramento, which played its first three games on the road, avenged a season-opening loss to Minnesota. The Kings also beat the Timberwolves for the first time in six meetings at Arco Arena.

Six players scored in double figures for Sacramento, which improved to 16-6 in home openers.

The Kings used a 12-4 third-quarter run, sparked by four points apiece from Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Kenny Thomas, to open a 66-53 lead with 6:10 left.

Minnesota never got closer than eight points thereafter.

Kevin Martin scored 19 points and Abdur-Rahim and reserve John Salmons added 13 apiece for the Kings, who shot 45 percent (34-of-75). Thomas scored 10 points, as did Mike Bibby, who is now eight away from 10,000 for his career.

Mike James scored 23 points and Kevin Garnett added 15 and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who shot 41 percent (33-of-80).