Kings vs. Lakers score: Sacramento picks up much-needed win, dominating L.A. 113-97

The Sacramento Kings finally fixed things up by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 113-97. The Kings snap a five-game losing streak and improve to 3-8 on the season and 3-4 at home. They snap a three game winning streak for the Lakers and drop them back down to 6-6.

The Lakers took a 21-15 lead after one period, but then the Kings surged back on an 11-0 run and eventually led 42-41 at the half. The Kings then took control with another 13-3 run to go ahead 64-56. The Kings took a 73-69 lead into the third quarter, then used an 8-0 spurt to distance themselves and take total control of the contest down the stretch.

Marcus Thornton led the Kings with 23 points. Thornton got plenty of support. Tyreke Evans had 18 points, six assists and four rebounds. Jason Thompson contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds, Chuck Hayes had 10 points and five boards, John Salmons scored 13 points, and Aaron Brooks chipped in 13 points. But the most important factor in the game was the defense on the interior, as Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol combined for just 15 points. Kobe Bryant scored 38 points to lead the Lakers.