Evans, former Tiger Thornton, lift Kings over Hornets

Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans (13) gets caught in the middle of New Orleans Hornets' Jarrett Jack (2), Emeka Okafor (50) and Carl Landry (24) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. The Kings won 96-80. (AP Photo/Steve Yeater)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tyreke Evans had 27 points and Marcus Thornton, a former LSU and Hornets star who was traded to the Kings last season, scored 25 for the Sacramento Kings in a 96-80 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night.

Playing without DeMarcus Cousins, who demanded a trade prior to the game and was told by coach Paul Westphal to stay home, the Kings ended a three game skid.

Cousins was among several players who expressed frustration with the team’s poor play after a 114-92 loss to the New York Knicks on Saturday.

Tervor Ariza had 17 points for the Hornets, who have dropped two straight after opening the season with a pair of victories.

Chris Kaman contributed 14 points and 15 rebounds, Emeka Okafor had 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Carl Landry had 12 points.