The Tribune

Buddy Hield continues his efficient shooting for the Sacramento Kings.

Hield scored 14 points on 6-14 shooting (2-5 from three) in the Kings’ 99-92 win over the Phoenix Suns at the Golden One Center in Sacramento, California, on Tuesday night.

Phoenix built an early 10-point lead in the second quarter during a 12-2 run when they made four consecutive three-pointers. Hield scored nine of the Kings’ next 16 points to close the gap.

“In the first half when we were struggling to see a shot go in,” Sacramento coach Dave Joerger said.

“I think Buddy bailed us out again with a couple made shots.

“I thought he had 18 or 20 at the half but he had nine and we needed every one of them, he had a terrific game.”

The Kings’ defence stifled scoreless for more than five minutes in the fourth quarter and lost its fourth straight.

Hield hit a three during a 13-0 run that put the game away.

Tuesday’s performance represents the longest streak of double-figure scoring games for Hield this season with his fourth straight.

Since going scoreless in just seven minutes against the Chicago Bulls on December 1, Hield has increased his level of play across the board in his last five contests.

In 28.4 minutes per game, Hield has averaged 17 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

In addition, while shooting 52 per cent from the field, 57 per cent from the free throw line and has been perfect at the free throw line.

The second-year guard struggled early in the season as a starter and, in his first seven games, he shot 35 per cent from the field and 23 per cent from the three-point line while averaging 10.3 points per game.

Since making the shift to the bench, he is averaging 13.4 points a night while shooting 51 per cent from the floor and 59 per cent from three.

For the season, Hield is averaging 12.6 points while shooting 45 per cent from the field and 47 per cent from three.