The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BUDDY Hield has increased his scoring and productivity with back-to-back 20-point games and the Sacramento Kings exercised the team option on the third-year guard.

The Kings made the announcement following their 116-112 win over the Washington Wizards at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

Hield finished with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes. He shot 8-17 from the field, 2-7 from three and 4-5 from the free throw line.

With point guard De’Aaron Fox in foul trouble, Hield assumed much of the ball-handling and play-calling responsibilities.

“Foxie was in a bit of foul trouble, coach was trusting me with the ball and our offence is simple. Once we know the spots we can play other spots.

“We made some good plays, was able to maintain the lead until our point guard got back into the game.

“Made some defensive stops, made some shots and we finished the game strong,” he said.

It was also the second straight win for the Kings as they improved their record to 3-3 headed into tonight’s game on the road against the Miami Heat.

Hield finished with 23 points on 10-20 shooting from the field, including 3-6 from three-point range in the Kings’ 97-92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

He also added seven rebounds and two assists in 41 minutes.

“It gives us a lot of confidence, especially being a young team. We have vets but this is still a young team for the most part.

“Once we keep moving the ball, playing together and playing for each other, no matter who scores 20, all we want is the win.

“When we win we all celebrate, we are all a part of it. I’m just happy the team can get back to .500 and hopefully we keep moving in the right direction.”

Through six games this season, Hield is averaging 17.2 points and five rebounds per game on 50 per cent shooting from the field and 43 per cent from three-point range.

Back in training camp, Hield foreshadowed his preparation to see some action at the point guard position.

“I have confidence I can do that. Why not?” he said. “We’re packed at the point guard spot, but you never know, this is the NBA.

“It happens where I may have to move to the one, coach may draw up a play where I have to bring the ball down or we have a offence where I get it, I push it and we go but I’m available, that’s why I’ve been working so hard on stuff like that, there’s nothing wrong with making plays for your teammates. Teammates like that,” he added.