Tyreke Evans leads Kings past Thunder

[February 10, 2012]  SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Tyreke Evans scored 22 points, DeMarcus Cousins had 19 points and nine rebounds and the Sacramento Kings rallied to beat Oklahoma City 106-101 on Thursday night, dropping the Thunder to second overall in the NBA.

The Kings didn't make a field goal in the final 2 minutes, but still kept the crowd that was dressed primarily in black roaring with approval. Sacramento's final nine points came on free throws, helping the Kings win for the fourth time in five games.

Russell Westbrook scored 33 points, and Kevin Durant added 27 for Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City, at 20-6 a game behind Chicago for the overall lead.

The Thunder squandered an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter, committing six of their 23 turnovers in the period.

Marcus Thornton added 15 points for Sacramento, Jason Thompson had 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Donte Greene scored 10 points.

James Harden scored 17 points for the Thunder, 11-5 on the road. Serge Ibaka tied his career high with 10 blocks, and added nine rebounds. His block total was one short of the Sacramento arena record of 11 set by David Robinson of San Antonio

The Kings outscored the Thunder 30-23 in the fourth.

After Westbrook's jumper gave Oklahoma City a one-point lead, Green made two free throws and Evans added another, giving the Kings a 101-99 lead. Durant missed a jumper, and Cousins was fouled after securing the rebound. Cousins made two free throws to give Sacramento a 103-99 lead with 27.4 seconds left.

Trailing by eight points, the Kings refused to fold late in the fourth. They scored seven straight points, including a 3-pointer from Thornton that pulled them to 95-94 with 2:42 left.

Thornton hit another 3 to tie it at 97.

NOTES: The Thunder will conclude their five-game trip Friday night in Utah. ... After a slow first quarter, Westbrook got going in the second, scoring nine points. ... Kings reserve forward Chuck Hayes matched his season high in the opening half, scoring eight points. He failed to score in the second.

[Associated Press]

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