Evans just misses another triple-double in Kings’ 114-100 victory over Timberwolves

Evans just misses another triple-double, Kings win

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Rookie Tyreke Evans had 29 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 114-100 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.

Evans, who recorded his first career triple-double Wednesday against Toronto, scored 24 points in the opening half to help Sacramento assume a 64-49 lead. The Kings scored 15 unanswered points in the first five minutes of the third quarter, including 11 from streaky-shooting Donte Greene, to push the lead to 30.

Greene had 19 points and eight rebounds, helping the Kings avoid their fifth loss in six games. Jason Thompson had 15 points and eight rebounds, Carl Landry scored 13 points and Andres Nocioni had 12.

Al Jefferson had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost nine straight.

Minnesota played its second straight game minus injured Kevin Love, the team’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer. Wayne Ellington had 15, Ryan Gomes scored 14 and Ramon Sessions had 13.

Following a subpar 10-point game Friday night in a lopsided loss to Portland, Evans had surpassed that total even before the first quarter ended. After sitting out half of the second quarter, Evans entered the game and quickly took over, scoring the Kings’ final 12 points.

With the Kings comfortably ahead, Evans went into passing mode in third quarter, getting seven assists. Greene had a crowd-pleasing, one-hand dunk off Evans’ pass and scored 13 points to help the Kings take a 94-61 lead into the fourth quarter.

Evans shot 10 of 19, made all seven free throws and left the game with 6:04 remaining needing one more rebound for the triple-double.

Although these teams seem headed for the NBA draft lottery, the Kings appear to own the brighter future right now. Sacramento won its 23rd game, while the Timberwolves (14-52) are 1-15 since beating Memphis on Feb. 6.

In the opening half, the Timberwolves were demonstrating why they allow the second-most points per game (nearly 107) in the NBA. The Kings had 23 points off the fast break, shot 48 percent and committed only four turnovers.

Defense has become such a frustrating aspect for the Timberwolves that both Al Jefferson and Kevin Love questioned the game plan of coach Kurt Rambis following a loss to Denver on Wednesday.

NOTES: The Timberwolves have lost 16 of 18 away from Minnesota and started a stretch of six of seven road games. Evans started strong, getting 12 points and four rebounds in the opening quarter when the Kings led 32-28. Damien Wilkins ended the first quarter with a 3-pointer from halfcourt at the buzzer.