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 The Kings used strong fourth-quarter play from Cousins and Tyreke Evans to earn a rare victory. Sacramento had dropped nine of its previous 11 games, including an embarrassing 35-point loss Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Evans, back in the starting lineup after missing the past two games with a bruised left knee, scored 10 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter. Jason Thompson added 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings, while John Salmons scored 12 and Aaron Brooks 11.
Kyle Lowry scored 29 of his 34 points in the second half for the Raptors, who have lost two straight and eight of nine.
Lowry also had 11 assists and five rebounds. Mickael Pietrus scored 21 points, DeMar DeRozan added 14 and Ed Davis chipped in 13 points and 11 rebounds.
A poor 3-point shooter, Evans made two in a row within a 33-second span, the second one giving the Kings a 101-95 lead with 1:43 remaining. Lowry pulled the Raptors within four on his fourth 3 of the game, but the Kings made free throws to secure the victory.
After Lowry hit a 3 and followed with a shot in close, Cousins responded with a three-point play and a jumper, tying the score at 91 with 4:31 to go. A left-handed shot off the glass by Cousins put the Kings ahead 95-93 with 2:36 left.
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Pietrus made a pair of free throws early in the fourth quarter, concluding a 22-5 run that began midway through the third. But the Kings rallied quickly, taking an 85-84 lead on Jimmer Fredette's runner in the lane at the 8:09 mark.
Salmons made a pair of 3s early in the third and scored eight points as Sacramento built its lead to 73-60 midway through the period. Lowry helped bring the Raptors back, scoring 15 points in cutting the Kings' lead to 78-76 entering the fourth.
Cousins scored 14 points and Jason Thompson had 11 in the first half, helping the Kings take a 55-47 lead. Operating exclusively inside, the struggling Cousins got going early, scoring 12 points in the first quarter. Pietrus had 11 for Toronto, which was outscored 26-18 in the second quarter.
NOTES: Pietrus has started two of the three games since he was signed by the Raptors as a free agent on Nov. 30. ... Evans missed all four field-goal attempts in the opening quarter, but made three free throws. ... Former Raptor James Johnson came off the bench to start the second quarter and quickly made a 3-pointer, his first of the season after missing his first eight tries. ... Raptors reserve forward Linas Kleiza (sore left hip) missed his second straight game.
[Associated
Press]
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