CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Sacramento Kings' three-game winning streak ended Friday night after a frantic ending when De'Aaron Fox missed two free throws with 2.4 seconds left to give the Charlotte Hornets a 124-123 victory.
Charlotte rookie James Bouknight, the 11th pick in the 2021 NBA draft, poured in a career-high 24 points on six 3-pointers, Miles Bridges added 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, and Kelly Oubre had 22 points. The Hornets have seven players out due to illness and NBA health and safety protocols.
Fox had 31 points to lead the Kings, but his two missed free throws proved critical. With the game tied with 20.2 seconds left, the Hornets were looking for one shot with the shot clock turned off.
A frantic possession turned into a what appeared to be an and-one after Cody Martin made a reverse layup on the baseline. But the Kings coach Alvin Gentry challenged the play and won, and Martin was sent to the line for two shots — missing the first and making the second.
Then, Martin made a critical mental error, fouling Fox near midcourt as he was bringing the ball up the floor. A 74.1% free-throw shooter coming into game, Fox stepped to the line with 2.4 seconds left and a screaming crowd trying to distract him. He missed both shots.
The Kings tried to tip the ball in, but couldn't and time expired.
Fox had made his first eight free throws before the two misses, finishing the game 8 of 10 from the line.
Terence Davis had 19 points for the Kings, who continued to put up big offensive numbers after a 142-130 win over Orlando on Wednesday night.
Gordon Hayward had 19 points for the depleted Hornets.
TIP INS
Kings: Alex Len got the start at center for Richaun Holmes, who did not play due to a right eye injury. Holmes came in averaging 14 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
Hornets: P.J. Washington and Nick Richards didn't play Friday night, and LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee, Jalen McDaniels and Ish Smith were still out due to NBA health and safety protocols. ... Amoldas Kulboka, a 2018 second-round draft pick by the Hornets, saw his first action with the team. He has been playing mostly overseas since being drafted. ... Oubre has scored at least 20 points in eight of his last nine games.
UP NEXT
Kings: At Cleveland on Saturday night.
Hornets: Open a six-game trip at Dallas on Monday night.
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