The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield had his worst shooting night of the season and saw his three-point streak come to an end, but his Sacramento Kings continued their recent winning streak.

Hield’s streak of consecutive games with at least one three pointer ended at 87 in the Kings’ 119-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets Saturday night at the Golden One Center in Sacramento, California.

It was the longest active streak in the NBA. Hield scored just five points but added a season high seven assists, four rebounds, and no turnovers. He shot 0-9 from three-point range and was 1-11 on the night. The Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry now has the longest active three-point streak at 84 games. Curry also holds the all-time record for most consecutive games with a three point make at 157.

Despite his less than stellar shooting night, Kings head coach Luke Walton lauded Hield’s effort to find other ways to help the team to a win. Hield made three of four free throws in the final 23 seconds to seal the win for the Kings.

“For us to be a good team we have to find ways to help us win when our shots aren’t going Buddy is normally helping the group by being an elite knockdown shooter, and his shot was off tonight, So what did he do? He was selfless and he found other ways to help the team win. That’s a great sign for us as a group and for him as a player.”

The Kings’ finished a three game season sweep over the Nuggets and followed with a 113-110 win over the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Hield bounced back with 20 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. He shot 3-8 from three point range to restart his streak which ended the night before.

The win over the Clippers marked the Kings’ seventh win in their last eight games. After opening the season 5-10, the Kings are now at 12-11, tied with the Golden State Warriors for the No.8 spot in the Western Conference standings.

“It’s hard work and trust that has led us to a turnaround,” Walton said, “The group’s continued to believe in each other, believe in what we’re building. There’s just a confidence with the group and we’re giving ourselves chances.”

For the last few games, Hield has worn his player edition Kobe 6 Protro in the colorway of the Bahamian flag.

“I knew I wanted a Bahamas one. Something that’s fire, something that’s fresh & something that compliments me,” Hield said, “The reason why I like these is I get to represent my country and where I’m from. That’s what I’m big on.”

Deandre Ayton rebounded from a slow offense outing on Friday night where he managed just single digit scoring, to record his 13th double double of the season on Sunday. He finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Phoenix Suns’ 100-91 win over the Boston Celtics yesterday at the PHX Arena.

The Suns are now 13-9 and ranked No.4 in the Western Conference.