SALT LAKE CITY – The storyline was set up perfectly.

Jimmer Fredette was back in the state where he became a national phenomenon. And he took a three-pointer to give the Kings the lead late in the game.

But there would be no fairy-tale ending to this game.

Fredette's shot with 5.9 seconds to play was off, sailing out of bounds, and the Kings would go on to lose to the Utah Jazz, 96-93, Saturday night at EnergySolutions Arena.

"I caught it … shot it … possibly contact, maybe not," said Fredette, who was being guarded by the Jazz's Earl Watson when he lofted the shot. "But the ball didn't go in, and that's what happens."

The miss ended a Kings rally from 13 down in the fourth quarter to pull within one late. The comeback was sparked by rookie guard Isaiah Thomas, who scored 13 of the Kings' 26 points in the quarter.

Fredette played four seasons at nearby BYU and won several National Player of the Year honors as a senior.

Fredette had plenty of fans cheering for him, to the point there was a "We want Jimmer" cheer late in the game.

They got Jimmer, and he almost beat the Jazz.

The final miss proved to be a teaching point for Kings coach Keith Smart.

"You had a lot of time on the clock and, like I told (Fredette) in the locker room, sometimes you don't need the game winner," Smart said. "Sometimes you may just need the two. ... But, hey, we've got a first-year player in a situation trying to do the right thing. It's a whole different story had he made that shot."

Fredette's teammates weren't faulting him for taking the shot. He has been encouraged much of the season to look for his shot more.

"(Fredette) popped open," said Kings guard Tyreke Evans. "DeMarcus (Cousins) set a great screen. He had a good look, he just missed it. He said the guy fouled him on his arm. But he's a rookie, he knows he don't get that call."

The miss happened near the end of what had been a busy day for Fredette. He spent nearly 20 minutes with local reporters for pregame availability outside of the locker room where it is normally held. The Kings made Fredette available 30 minutes earlier than normal in anticipation of a big crowd.

Fredette also was the featured guest for both Utah and Sacramento television broadcasts. Throughout the night, he was cheered and booed loudly.

"It was funny because normally I'm sure they're not used to hearing cheers when someone from the other team scores," Fredette said. "It was great to hear, obviously great support here, and I really appreciate all the fans who came out to support myself, but also the Kings."

The Kings lost their fourth in a row but looked better than they had since winning at San Antonio on Jan. 20.

The Kings (6-14) had allowed an average of 117 points in the previous three losses. After allowing 92 points in the paint in losing to Denver on Wednesday, the Kings held the Jazz (11-7) to 46 points in the paint.

"We took steps forward today," Thomas said. "We really played as a team and did what we needed to do. We just fell short."

Evans led the Kings with a season-high 31 points to go with nine assists. Fredette finished with 14 points.

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