Buddy Hield buzzer beater: Kings guard hits gamewinner with tip layup after stupendous defense from Harrison Barnes

The Sacramento Kings did a great job down the stretch as Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes combined to give them the OT win over Denver.

In the best games of the fledgling new season, the Sacramento Kings held their nerve and upped their execution in overtime. It was a miracle that the Nuggets stayed in the game as late as they were able to.

Jamal Murray had one of the worst games of his career, going 1-of-9 from the field with 9 points and fouling out in the 4th quarter. Nikola Jokic did all he could to do the Nuggets afloat. Jokic finished with a monster triple-double – 29 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists.

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The Kings had a balanced output from all scorers, with 7 players in double digits. Buddy led the way with 22 points on 7-of-15 shooting. Harrison Barnes also had a great game, going 8-of-15 for 21 points.

Buddy Hield wins the game in OT for the Kings after Harrison Barnes steal

Buddy Hield got the second run-to-the-locker-room gamewinner of his career after he tipped in Harrison Barnes’ blocked dunk. The play began when Barnes effected a steal at the halfline and Fox sent him away in transition.

Will Barton came in with a despairing attempt and did amazingly well to block Barnes. But Hield was following up the shot and was not being marked. He calmly tipped the ball in as the game clock expired, resulting in this NBA season’s first buzzer beater.

BUDDY HIELD GAME-WINNING PUTBACK IN OT pic.twitter.com/TjMPu0mQnm

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 24, 2020

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Neither the Sacramento Kings nor the Denver Nuggets should read too much into the game. It was an OT game in which both teams shot below par from 3-point range. It’s a long season ahead and they cannot afford to dwell too much on one close game.