Kings Destroy Bobcats by 38 Points

April 22, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Derrick Brown (4) and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) go after a loose ball during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Kings win 114-88. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings had a night filled with franchise milestones, as they left zero doubt as to who wasthe better team, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats 119-83.

The Kings came out slowly, and used their defense to get back into the game. The Kings didn’t need much time however, tying the game at 27 by the end of the first quarter, and never trailed from there.

The Kings outscored the Bobcats by 38 points in the second and third quarters, for a total of 70-32. Sacramento led the Bobcats 97-59 at the end of the third quarter.

The Kings had a season high 43 point lead late in the fourth quarter and never let up, winning by 38. They seemed to take out their frustration from a terrible showing in San Antonio on the Bobcats.

The Kings took advantage of their size, out-rebounding the Bobcats 60-31. Sacramento had 26 assists and seemed to remember how to share the ball.

Isaiah Thomas played like the floor leader he is capable of and found ways to get his teammates involved early in the game. Thomas had 7 assists and 10 points in only 26 minutes.

The Kings had six players in double figures, including all five starters. Thomas seemed to accept his role entering the game tonight, playing with a renewed sense of leadership. When Thomas passes the ball well in the beginning of games, the Kings have had very good success.

Marcus Thornton had another great outing as he scored 18 points in 19 minutes on 7 of 11 shooting, adding three assists and two steals. John Salmons was lights out in the third quarter, scoring 19 of his 22 points in the period. Salmons made 4 of his five three pointers in the period, and was practically unstoppable. .

The Kings big men were dominant all night, controlling the boards, and scoring easy baskets on second chance opportunities. Jason Thompson had a double double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. DeMarcus Cousins had 14 points and 9 rebounds in only 23 minutes, Chuck Hayes grabbed 12 rebounds, scored 6 points and had 4 assists in 20 minutes. The Kings’ big men had one of their most efficient nights despite Cousins shooting 6 of 14 from the field.

The Kings shot almost 40 percent from beyond the three point arc and shot 46.7 from the field. Charlotte struggled in both categories shooting only 26 percent from the three point arc and shooting 36 percent from the field.

Sacramento needed this win as they face the number five seeded Nuggets, then the six seed Warriors in their next two games. The Kings have had trouble with both teams all season and will need to gain as much momentum as they can.