Edwards Is Key Man for Sacramento

Franklin Edwards is still not quite sure what his role will be with the Sacramento Kings. But Coach Bill Russell is happy to have the veteran guard back in the lineup.

Edwards had 19 points and 9 assists Thursday night as the Kings ended a six-game National Basketball Assn. losing streak with a 110-102 victory over the New Jersey Nets.

“Franklin Edwards really did a good job,” Russell said. “I think he was the difference in the game tonight.”

Edwards, playing in only his second game of the season after coming back from an injury, played 41 minutes but said he’s still not in top form.

“I’m still not where I want to be,” Edwards said. “My passes were a little off, and I’m still not really sure of my place on the court. It’ll come back in time. I just have to be patient and keep working hard.”

Reggie Theus led the Kings (3-7) with 25 points. Reserve center Joe Kleine had 16, including 10 in the second period, and Ed Pinckney, another reserve, had 15.

The King bench outscored the Net reserves, 43-17, and New Jersey Coach Dave Wohl said that made the difference.

“The Kings’ bench came in and really got themselves out of trouble--specifically Kleine,” Wohl said. “He’s learning to use his size, especially on the boards.”

But Wohl said he saw some positive signs for his struggling club (2-7).