A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings: Buddy Hield Thriving In New Role

By Anthony Cardenas

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on February 01, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on February 01, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings made a lineup change eight games ago, and things couldn’t have gone better since, especially for Buddy Hield.

The 2019-20 season has been a roller coaster for both the Sacramento Kings and for Buddy Hield, and both are currently enjoying a high point. The Kings demolished the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night by a score of 122-102, avenging a heartbreaking loss from back in December and extending their hot streak. The team has now won 6 of its last 8 games after an abysmal stretch around the holidays.

One of the key components to Sacramento’s success has been the lineup switch between Hield and Bogdanovic eight games ago. Bogdanovic has thrived alongside De’Aaron Fox, and will look to do so for the remainder of the season after weathering trade rumors for the better part of the last month.

The real story, however, is the heightened play and efficiency of Buddy Hield.

Hield’s Uptick In Production

Since being relegated to coming off of the bench, Hield is averaging 23+ points per game, nearly six more than he averaged over his previous 17 games. But it is shooting and efficiency that have been most impressive. During the current eight-game stretch, Hield is making 51 percent of his 3 point shots, including a stellar 9 for 10 performance in last night’s game against San Antonio. During the 44 previous games of the season, he was shooting just 36 percent from deep.

The fan base and the franchise alike expected a lot out of Buddy Hield. He has been one of the constants this season as far as health is concerned, which often causes him to be the scapegoat when the team underperforms. Which is often. But winning cures all, which is also probably why we haven’t heard any gripes or complaints from the typically-outspoken Hield about his “demotion”.

Final Thoughts

The situation between Hield and Bogdanovic will be one of the more interesting stories to follow for the Sacramento Kings down the stretch of the season. The team will have financial decisions to make in the offseason, and the on-court production from both players will most certainly play a role in their verdict.

Next. Fox's Free Throw Struggles Continue. dark

The Kings’ current hot streak will be put to a major test on Monday evening when they travel to Milwaukee to take on the best team in the NBA.

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