Wallace scores 38 points to send Bobcats past Kings for 103-96 win

Bobcats, Wallace hold off Kings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gerald Wallace scored a season-high 38 points and had 11 rebounds and the Charlotte Bobcats defeated the Sacramento Kings 103-96 on Saturday.

Wallace keyed the decisive third quarter when the Bobcats pulled away by outscoring Sacramento 34-13. Scoring on several uncontested baskets inside against the Kings’ uninspired defense, Wallace had 19 points to help Charlotte take a 90-67 lead into the fourth.

Nazr Mohammed had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Bobcats. Stephen Jackson and Flip Murray each had 13 points.

Kevin Martin scored 31 points for the Kings, who have dropped two straight and nine of 10. Omri Casspi scored 14 points and Jason Thompson had 12 points and 16 rebounds.

Kings rookie guard Tyreke Evans, who bruised his left hip and only played seven minutes in the second half, had four points, one more than his season-low against Memphis. Evans had 34 points in a Jan. 18 game in Charlotte.

With the Bobcats struggling on offense in the fourth quarter, the Kings mounted a comeback. Martin made a difficult driving layup and followed with a steal and a dunk, pulling the Kings to within 100-96.

But Raymond Felton quickly scored at the other end for Charlotte and Wallace added a late free throw to secure the victory.

The Bobcats started their six-game road trip with a loss in Denver. But they have won three straight and conclude the West Coast swing with Sunday’s game in Portland and meet the Lakers on Tuesday.

Drafted by the Kings in 2001, Wallace rarely left the bench in three seasons with Sacramento. He was picked in the expansion draft by Charlotte in 2004 and has thrived in his eighth season, becoming the first player in Bobcats history to make the All-Star game.

On Saturday, Wallace made his first eight shots and ignited the Bobcats in the third quarter. Wallace finished on two alley-oops late in the quarter, the second one giving Charlotte an 83-59 lad with 2:54 remaining.

Wallace made all six shots and scored 14 points in the opening half when the Bobcats led 56-54. Martin had 21 points for the Kings, who were outscored 27-21 in the second quarter.

Notes: Annie Wersching from the hit show “24,” attended the game. … The Kings have lost seven of their past 10 home games.