Blatche scores 22 to lead Nets over Kings 99-90

Blatche scored 22 points to lead the Nets to their fifth straight victory, 99-90 over the struggling Kings.

Blatche was part of a huge effort by an extremely productive Brooklyn bench. He made his first 10 shots and finished 11 of 12 in 19 minutes subbing for starter Brook Lopez.

"I got to open spots and my teammates were looking for me," Blatche said. "When the double team came I was able to make the open shots. Our starters believe in the second group because we play with energy and effort. They know we've got their back."

Coming to Brooklyn has been a nice change for Blatche, who spent his first six seasons with the Wizards and grew tired of Washington's frequent losses over the past few seasons.

"I'm not sure, but I think this is the first time in my career that I've been on a team that's won five straight," Blatche said. "I'm at a loss for words right now. It's a good feeling to be on a team that has a good chance of winning every game."

The Nets (6-2) matched the team's best start since the 2002-03 season when they went to the NBA finals, losing to San Antonio in six games. Brooklyn can thank its reserves, who combined for 52 points and shot 21 of 30 against the Kings.

Deron Williams had 14 points and 10 assists for the Nets, whose longest winning streak last season was three games. MarShon Brooks had nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, Brook Lopez had 13 points and four blocks, and C.J. Watson had 13 points.

Joe Johnson, a key pickup in an offseason trade, never got it going offensively. He missed 9 of 10 shots and finished with 10 points for the Nets.

"It doesn't have to be Deron and me having a great game for us to win," said Johnson, who helped seal the victory by making 8 of 8 free throws in the fourth quarter. "We can come at you offensively in a lot of different ways. I'm not worried about it (my shot) at this point, it will come."

DeMarcus Cousins had 23 of his 29 points in the second half for the Kings, who have dropped five straight. Tyreke Evans had 21 points and seven rebounds and Marcus Thornton added 12 points.

Struggling to find a cohesive lineup, Kings head coach Keith Smart started Aaron Brooks at point guard and John Salmons at small forward. The move paid off early with the Kings jumping out to a 16-8 lead, but they trailed 21-20 after one quarter.