Thornton, Evans lift Kings over Bobcats, 97-93

A three-point play by Sessions cut the Sacramento lead to one with 40 seconds left, but Isaiah Thomas pushed the lead 96-93 with a pair of free throws with 18.4 seconds left.

The Bobcats set up for a 3-point shot, but Walker missed everything on a play that never developed. Thomas put the game away by making the second of his two free throws with 2.4 seconds left.

"They gave me pretty good pressure, but I thought I had an open shot," Walker said. "I kind of hesitated. I could've shot it right away, because I thought I was open. But I hesitated. It'll be like that sometimes."

For Charlotte, finishing games continues to be a huge problem.

The Kings held to Bobcats to only three points in the final 3:33 of the game. During that span, the Bobcats missed four shots, turned the ball over twice and were called for a goaltending.

"Composure is big," Smart said. "Our young guys did a great job. They came down, managed the plays we needed to get. The combination of them running what needed to be run at that particular time was critical."

The Bobcats didn't help themselves at the free throw line converting only 26 of 38 attempts, or 68 percent.

They haven't won at home since Nov. 21.

"We've just got to come out ready to play next time," Walker said. "It's tough. We've been losing some pretty close games, and we definitely need a home win. It's been a long time."

Added Bobcats coach Mike Dunlap: "It's just something that we have to get better at. I'm on that and so are the players. They understand. They want to give these fans a win, too."

NOTES: Kings rookie first-round draft pick Thomas Robinson played only minute before being taken to the locker room after getting elbowed in the mouth by Sessions. Robinson said after the game he had 10 stitches, but expects to play Monday night at New Orleans. ... Brendan Haywood had a season-high five blocked shots for the Bobcats. ... Thomas tied a season-high seven assists for the Kings and tied a season-high with five rebounds.