SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters) – The Sacramento Kings held off a late-charging New Orleans Hornets to halt the visitors’ 10-game winning streak with a 102-96 triumph on Saturday.
The Kings surged clear with a 12-0 run early in the second quarter to grab a 56-46 advantage by halftime on the strength of 58 percent shooting and a sensational first half from DeMarcus Cousins, who had 19 points, six rebounds and five assists.
“Any young player needs to learn the league and what it takes. DeMarcus has made great strides in that regard,” Kings coach Paul Westphal told reporters of his rookie.
Cousins finished the game with 25 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, all team-highs, but ran into foul trouble, allowing the Hornets to capitalise on his absence to close to within two points with just under six minutes remaining.
The Hornets were unable to get any closer but challenged again with just under two minutes remaining when they trailed 96-94, before Cousins absorbed a charging foul from Marcus Thompson.
