Hart keeps them beating

SACRAMENTO —  The Sacramento Kings apparently didn’t think much of veteran point guard Jason Hart, releasing him March 1 after he appeared in only 13 games this season.

The Clippers thanked them.

Hart has been a key contributor since he was signed March 5, helping the Clippers remain in the race for the Western Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot despite the team’s problems at point guard.

Hart has started in 12 of 13 games for the Clippers, including in Friday’s 105-101 victory over the Kings at Arco Arena.

He had 16 points and seven assists as the Clippers defeated the Kings in Sacramento for the first time since Nov. 7, 1997, ending a losing streak at 17 games.

Hart helped make it happen in his first game against the Kings since leaving them.

“I still have a lot of friends on the team, I spent close to two years here, so it’s good,” Hart said. “All the players are happy for me because they knew I could play, I just didn’t get a fair shake here.”

Frustrated about his lack of playing time this season, Hart bought out his contract from Sacramento and was released by Kings President Geoff Petrie.

Hart, who played at Inglewood High and Syracuse, makes his off-season home in the Southland and plays pickup games in the summer with the Clippers at the Spectrum Club in El Segundo, so it appeared the Clippers would be a good fit.

With Shaun Livingston out because of a career-threatening knee injury and Sam Cassell’s status for the stretch in doubt because of injuries, the Clippers signed Hart for the veteran minimum (about $260,000) for the rest of the season. The Kings are responsible for what he’s owed on his $1.6-million salary this season, less the amount of his buyout.

Hart’s comfort level in the offense has increased daily, the Clippers said, and he has provided solid perimeter defense.

“He’s been able to pick up our stuff rather quickly, and give us what we need at both ends of the floor,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

All Hart needed was an opportunity, Kings players said.

“Jason is a great guy, so it just shows you that good things come to good people,” Kings guard Kevin Martin said. “Something good has happened to him and he’s taking advantage of it.”

*

TONIGHT

at Portland, 7 p.m., Channel 5

Site -- The Rose Garden.

Radio -- 1110.

Records -- Clippers 35-37, Trail Blazers 29-43.

Record vs. Trail Blazers -- 1-1.

Update -- Corey Maggette suffered a chest injury in Friday’s victory over Sacramento and might not play tonight. Portland’s Zach Randolph underwent surgery on his right hand Friday and will sit out the team’s final 10 games. In 68 games, Randolph averaged 23.6 points and 10.1 rebounds.

jason.reid@latimes.com