Greene’s 6 3s, 24 points lead Kings over Knicks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Donte Greene made six 3-pointers and tied a career high with 24 points, and the Sacramento Kings never trailed in a 111-97 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Leading by 10 points at the half, the Kings built the margin to 93-73 with an impressive third quarter and the lead remained in double figures the rest of the game.

Rookie Tyreke Evans had 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for Sacramento, which snapped a four-game losing streak. It was the first time in eight games that the rookie from Memphis failed to score 20 or more.

David Lee had 25 points and 12 rebounds for the struggling Knicks. Nate Robinson also scored 25 points and Al Harrington added 17 for New York, which shot 38 percent.

Spencer Hawes scored 16 points and Sergio Rodriguez had 15 for the Kings, who recorded a rare win at home over an Eastern Conference team. Sacramento had lost 18 straight dating to a victory over Toronto on March 16, 2008.

The loss was the third straight and ninth in 11 games for the Knicks, who are off to their worst start since the 1985-86 season.

Making only his third start of the season, Greene made a statement for increased playing time. He had career highs of six blocks and five assists. Greene hit all five shots in the third quarter, including three 3-pointers as the Kings outscored New York 32-22.

Injured in Tuesday’s game against the Lakers, Eddy Curry missed the game with a sore left knee. Curry, who played in only three games for a total of 11 minutes last year due to injury, had played in the previous four games.

Hawes scored 13 points in the first half, helping the Kings to a 61-51 lead. Both Robinson and Lee scored 15 points for the Knicks, who shot 36 percent and missed 15 of 20 3-pointers.

Notes: Kings point guard Beno Udrih was sick and didn’t play. The Knicks shot 10 of 39 from 3-point territory. Sacramento is now 5-2 at home.