Sacramento, CA (Sports Network) - Tyreke Evans scored 26 points and the Sacramento Kings won their preseason opener, 109-95, over Phoenix.
Evans, who was chosen as the league's top rookie last season, shot 9-of-17 from the field and had five assists. Although he's allowed to play in the preseason, Evans will miss the season-opener October 27 at Minnesota due to a one-game suspension imposed by the NBA after he pled no contest to reckless driving over the summer.
DeMarcus Cousins, the No. 5 overall pick in this year's draft, started at center and had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the win. Jason Thompson contributed 17 points and 10 boards off the bench.
Jason Richardson totaled 17 points for the new-look Suns, who began the campaign without Amare Stoudemire. The five-time All-Star, who spent his entire eight-year tenure in the league with the Suns, went to the New York Knicks in the offseason in a sign-and-trade package.
Robin Lopez scored 15 points for Phoenix, which was outscored by 14 points in the last quarter.
A tip-in by Hakim Warrick, who went to Phoenix in an offseason trade, gave the visitors an 86-84 lead with nine minutes left. The Kings responded with a 19-4 burst, capped by Beno Udrih's steal and layup with 3 1/2 minutes remaining.