At long last, Clippers win in Sacramento

Streaks eventually end, so the Clippers figured they would win again in Sacramento. Right?

“It’s natural to start to wonder,” Elton Brand said. “You think to yourself, ‘When?’ ”

The answer came Friday night for the Clippers, who ended a losing streak at 17 games here against the Sacramento Kings with a 105-101 victory in front of a sellout crowd of 17,317 at Arco Arena.

The Clippers defeated the Kings in Sacramento for the first time since Nov. 7, 1997, getting 26 points from Cuttino Mobley and hanging on at the end after building a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Tim Thomas’ three-point play with 33.5 seconds remaining in the game gave the Clippers a six-point lead, helping them complete their fifth victory in six games in the opener of a two-game trip. Moreover, the Clippers (35-37) increased their lead to 1 1/2 games over the idle Golden State Warriors for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

With only 10 games left, the Clippers are playing well down the stretch, and even facing the Kings in Sacramento is no problem for them.

“Obviously, a great game from us,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “It’s been a long time since the Clippers have won here, not that that was the point of emphasis. The playoff race is really the focal point for us right now.”

The Clippers, vying to reach the postseason for the second time in as many seasons, said they needed to do well on the short trip after the Houston Rockets ended their four-game winning streak Wednesday at Staples Center.

The Clippers were frustrated after the 92-87 loss because Mobley was only awarded two free throws instead of three while being fouled on a three-point shot with 2.5 seconds remaining in that game.

Mobley rebounded well against Sacramento (30-41), scoring 16 points in the first half as the Clippers took a 57-50 halftime lead. He made nine of 20 shots from the field overall, including four of six three-pointers to lead the way on offense.

All five Clippers starters scored in double figures (Chris Kaman had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds) and Thomas contributed 16 points off the bench. Corey Maggette went nine for nine from the free-throw line, including making six in a row in final 27.9 seconds to secure the victory.

And then there was Jason Hart.

Released by the Kings on March 1, Hart scored 16 points, led the Clippers with seven assists and grabbed six rebounds in his first game here since leaving. He made six of 10 shots from the field.

“There’s a lot on the line, so it’s not about revenge or anything like that, you just want to get the win,” Hart said. “The Clippers haven’t won here in while, so it’s just sweet when you can get the win.”

The Clippers made 47.5% of their field-goals and limited the Kings to 42% shooting. The Kings missed 26 of 39 free-throws.

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jason.reid@latimes.com

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KEYS TO THE GAME

* Cuttino Mobley’s strong performance. Mobley made four of six three-pointers.

* Free-throws. The Clippers missed three free throws; the Kings 13.

* Jason Hart’s solid play. Hart gave the Clippers what they needed at point guard.

-- JASON REID