Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Jimmer Fredette registered a career-high 20 points and six assists, but it wasn’t enough to help the Kings overcome the Memphis Grizzles. The Kings lost its eighth road game of the season, 128-95.
Fredette was counted on to play big minutes, with teammates Marcus Thornton limited due to an injury and John Salmons sitting out with a stomach virus.
“I said I was going to let him fight through the mistakes that he was making and find a rhythm,” coach Keith Smart said about Jimmer’s season-high, 33-minute performance. “He got it going. He stayed with his strength. Stayed where his jump shot would help him a great deal and made some good passes.”
Fredette helped lead a Kings comeback in the second quarter to cut the Grizzles lead to eight at the break. He capped his impressive second quarter with a jumper from the left side, just inside the arc, over Rudy Gay in the final seconds of the half.
"Just knowing he was going to let me play through mistakes let me get into the flow of the game and just kind of play the way I can," Fredette said. "Not thinking about anything, just go out there, play your game and shoot your shots, make plays, pass to others, and I think that helped me out."
Fredette finished just 5-of-13 from the field but was 3-of-6 from the 3-point range and 7-of-8 from the free throw line on the night.
Scott Levin at A Royal Pain was pleased to see Jimmer have a breakout game against Memphis, but also noted that while Fredette is improving, he still has things to work on.
Jazz vs. Jimmer
Win tickets to watch the Jazz take on Jimmer and the Kings
Jimmer & the Sacramento Kings are headed to town to take on the Utah Jazz and we want you to be there. All you have to do is "Like" our page and follow these easy steps and the pair of lower bowl tickets could be yours! ($330 value)“The shots were the same as games past, but the difference in Jimmer’s game was the court vision. Fredette earned the defense’s respect, then got into the lane and found teammates. He showed point-guard-like skills to go with his outside shot. His defense, while certainly improved, was still less than adequate, but all in all, a strong effort from Jimmer.”
The Kings headed into Memphis with a two-game winning streak after scoring a come-from-behind victory over the Indianapolis Pacers at home and stealing a two-point victory from the San Antonio Spurs on the road.
Fredette played only six minutes against the Pacers and didn’t score, but watched as Isaiah Thomas and Francisco Garcia helped spark the Kings' comeback victory.
Against the Spurs, Jimmer hit a 3-point from the right wing in the second quarter that gave the Kings a 15-point lead, their largest of the game. Sacramento held on to the win, thanks to 23 points and 11 rebounds from Tyreke Evans.
Fredette looks to be more comfortable on the court and is becoming a more complete player, but critics are still comparing him to J.J. Redick, Ricky Rubio and Tim Tebow. However, Sacramento is hoping his individual performance against the Grizzles snapped his rookie slump and his play will start translating into wins for the Kings.
