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Martin scores 27 points as Kings cruise past Blazers

Nov 26, 2006 - 5:39 AM SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- Kevin Martin did the majority of his damage early and the rest of Sacramento Kings followed suit.

Martin scored 12 of his 27 points in the opening quarter and the Kings took control in the second period en route to a 105-85 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Mike Bibby scored 20 points and Shareef Abdur-Rahim added 13 for Sacramento, which won its third straight game in the series while also ending an uncharacteristic two-game skid at Arco Arena.

Coming off a career-high 35 points Friday vs. Seattle, Martin made his first four shots, including two 3-pointers. He helped the Kings shoot a scorching 77 percent (13-of-17) from the floor and build a 34-26 lead after one quarter.

Martin finished 8-of-13 from the floor, draining four shots from the arc and netting all seven free throws.

"Some people say I'm too efficient but I don't believe in that," Martin said. "As long as I'm hitting a good percentage and helping my team win. I'd rather be efficient than take 20 shots and get 21 points. As long as I keep taking 14-15 shots and scoring 25 points, I'll take that and I'm sure the coaches will too."

A jumper by Bibby triggered a 19-6 run in the second period. Francisco Garcia scored seven of his nine points to conclude the spurt for a 53-32 advantage with four minutes before halftime.

"Our young guys are starting to mature," Kings veteran forward Corliss Williamson said. "They're seeing the pace of the game, they're not out there forcing things anymore. They're letting it come to them. As long as they continue to mature and the older guys continue to help out, we're going to be a pretty good team toward the end of the season."

Sacramento held a 65-43 cushion at the break and cruised thereafter. The Kings shot 68 percent (26-of-38) during the first 24 minutes.

Brad Miller had two points and four rebounds in his first game since November 6 due to a left foot injury.

"It felt good to just get back out there a little ahead of what everybody thought," Miller said. "I ran a little bit yesterday. I haven't really had pain, just a matter of trying to keep it (foot) loose right now."

Zach Randolph scored 24 points for the Trail Blazers, who were outrebounded, 39-28.

"We came out with a slow start and the Kings ran out on us," Randolph said. "We need to focus on scrapping from the get-go. We are a scrappy team, but we didn't do that tonight. The Kings got up high against us and had a big lead from the start."