By Tony Renteria

photo credit: Sacramento Bee–Charlotte’s Marvin Williams (2) drives on Sacramento’s Rudy Gay (8) Monday night at Sleep Train Arena

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (20-23) headed into tonight’s match up with five straight wins looking for six against the visiting Charlotte Hornets (21-23) but the Hornets took the Kings for a double overtime win 129-128.

The Kings jumped out to an early 31-16 lead in the first quarter but lost that pace in the third when the Hornets came roaring out of the locker room at half time to score 42 points in the third.

DeMarcus Cousins scored a career best 56 points in the game before fouling out in the second overtime.   He previous high was 48 points.   Rajon Rondo had 20 assists as he worked the court like a Field General feeding player after player great passes for easy baskets.

The Hornets were led Kemba Walker and his 24 points.   Jeremy Lin also chipped in 20 points.

The Kings head to Portland on Tuesday night as the Hornets head to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder.