Minnesota at Sacramento

[Real Deal]

TIME: 6:00 PM ET

TV: NBALP

[Real Deal]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Despite having the second-worst record in the Western Conference, the Sacramento Kings are proving to be a dangerous offensive team of late.

 

Marcus Thornton scored 24 points for the Kings, who used a strong second half to beat the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves 115-99 on Sunday night.

 

It was the second straight impressive victory for the Kings (16-29), who humbled the visiting Boston Celtics 120-95 on Friday night. Thornton had 36 points against the Celtics and was a primary threat against the Timberwolves, but he had plenty of help with six players scoring in double figures.

 

"We're having fun right now, playing the game the right way," said rookie point guard Isaiah Thomas, who had made four 3-pointers and scored 18 points. "It's always nice when guys are knocking down shots. It makes it that much easier for me."

 

The Kings were tied at halftime, but gained the lead for good by outscoring Minnesota 33-25 in the third quarter. Sacramento quickly built on its eight-point lead after three quarters and the Timberwolves trailed by double digits for much of the fourth.

 

"We were giving them too much room on the perimeter and easy paths to the basket in the first half," Kings coach Keith Smart said. "I think we had them well above the 3-point line running their offense in the second half."

 

WIth center DeMarcus Cousins having an off night and minus injured starter Tyreke Evans, the Kings needed some additional help and got it from their bench. Chuck Hayes had a season-high 12 points and eight rebounds, and Donte Greene added 11 points for the Kings, who outscored Minnesota 25-17 in the fourth quarter.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120318_MIN@SAC