Warriors roll past Kings 107-96 to open preseason

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

By ANTONIO GONZALEZ

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Stephen Curry had 22 points and six assists, Monta Ellis scored 18 points to go with eight assists and the Golden State Warriors rolled past the short-handed Sacramento Kings 107-96 on Saturday night in the first of two preseason games between the Northern California rivals.

Ekpe Udoh came off the bench in place of starting center Andris Biedrins to finish with 10 points and four rebounds, anchoring the kind of defensive prowess in the paint new Warriors coach Mark Jackson has preached. Golden State built a 19-point halftime lead and held on late.

Jimmer Fredette had 21 points in his rookie debut and Tyreke Evans scored 17 for the Kings, who played without starters DeMarcus Cousins (sprained right ankle), John Salmons (right thigh) and Chuck Hayes (heart abnormality).

Updated December 18, 2011