Kings takeaways: What we learned in last-second 111-109 loss to Celtics

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SACRAMENTO -- Running out of time. With the San Antonio Spurs winning earlier in the evening, the Kings needed to steal one on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics to keep pace. 

They got a clean look from Harrison Barnes at the buzzer, but it was off line and the Kings fell by a final of 111-109. 

Here are three takeaways as the Kings dropped back the .500 mark at 32-32 on the season.

Barnes Sizzles

For a second straight game, Barnes put up big numbers. 

After a quiet first half, the veteran forward got hot in the third quarter, scoring 14 of his 24 points on the night. He added eight rebounds and two steals in 36 minutes of action.

On the defensive end, Barnes continues to give Sacramento the size and versatility desperately needed at the forward position.  

Throw it up

Willie Cauley-Stein has made a living catching lobs this season for Sacramento. Against the Celtics, he put on an aerial assault.

The 7-footer went to work, scoring 19 points on 8-for-9 shooting. He added seven rebounds and three assists.

While he put up big numbers, the Kings need more from their starting center on the defensive end. He didn’t close out on 3-point attempts, and finished without a block for the 39th time this season. 

Play of the Night

After Buddy Hield drained three free throws to tie the game with 7.6 seconds remaining, Gordon Hayward got the ball for Boston.

The veteran small forward made a move and then hit a floater on the baseline to put the Celtics back up by two. 

The Kings got a look for the win at the buzzer, but Hayward's shot proved to be the game-winner.  

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