Hield nears Stojakovic’s 3point record in Kings win

Buddy Hield drew closer to Peja Stojakovic’s 3-point record, Maurice Harkless threw down a birthday dunk and Terence Davis took it from there as the Kings kept their slim playoff hopes alive with another win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Davis came off the bench to score a season-high-tying 27 points, leading the Kings to a 122-106 victory over the Thunder on Tuesday night at Golden 1 Center. The Kings came out flat 48 hours after beating the Thunder by 28 points, but they turned up the intensity after being challenged by coach Luke Walton.

“Luke lit a spark in us at halftime,” Davis said. “He gave it to us, no doubt.”

Hield had 21 points and six assists for the Kings (31-38), who have won six of seven to stay within 2 1/2 games of the San Antonio Spurs for the final play-in spot with three games remaining. One win by San Antonio or one loss by Sacramento will eliminate the Kings from playoff contention. The Kings also have to hope the New Orleans Pelicans lose at least one of their three remaining games.

Hield made 8 of 15 field-goal attempts and 5 of 11 from 3-point range, giving him 1,058 3-pointers over five seasons with the Kings. He needs 13 more over the last three games to break Stojakovic’s franchise record of 1,070.

Walton was surprised to learn Hield is in hot pursuit of Stojakovic’s record, especially given the way Hield has passed the ball recently with De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Harrison Barnes out of the lineup. Hield has dished out 48 assists over the last eight games while taking on increased ball handling and playmaking duties.