Why Jimmer Fredette Has Recently Heated Up

After five-straight games of scoring in single digits, Jimmer Fredette has regained his stroke and has been on a hot streak over the past three games.

Fredette converted 16-of-33 shots in the three-game span, while averaging better than 17 points per game. The Kings' guard also hit 11-of-18 three-point shots.

Unfortunately, the Kings are losing. As Fredette went on a three-game scoring spree, the Kings were getting blown out by the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, and Denver Nuggets.

While sharpshooters have their ups and downs, Fredette has appeared more comfortable and confident. He has also looked more natural playing the point guard position.

I'm starting to feel a lot better the last week and a half, said Fredette, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. Playing a lot better, shooting the ball better and just getting more comfortable with the NBA game - that's something I continue to work on every single day.

There are a few reasons why Fredette has seen some improvement.

Regular starting shooting guard Marcus Thornton has been injured, and reserve guard John Salmons has not looked good lately, as he has battled an illness. Head coach Keith Smart has therefore given Fredette more playing time. Against the Nuggets on Jan. 25, Fredette had a season-high 36 minutes. More minutes usually means more points.

Fredette is also scoring more because he has been given the green light to shoot more. Sacramento's low post presence often appears non-existent, which means the Kings usually run more plays for shooters. A majority of Fredette's shots are outside shots, and the Kings have little choice but to feed their shooters.

The overriding reason for Fredette's hot streak is a very obvious one: he was due. Fredette was one of the best scorers in college basketball while at Brigham Young, and it was only a matter of time before he showed the NBA that he can knock down shots.

Fredette was coming off a dry spell before this breakout scoring binge, and it was only a matter of time before an excellent perimeter player started lighting up the scoreboard.

He's a shooter, said Shawn Marion, of the Dallas Mavericks. You've got to guard him three feet behind the three-point line. He can shoot that thing.

Take a look at Fredette's highlights: