Warriors triumph as Buddy Hield shines in his debut game
Uncensored Warriors' Triumph: Buddy Hield's Game-Changing Performance in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
Evan Webeck [email protected]
In a gripping Game 7, Buddy Hield stuffed the stat sheet with a historic 33-point, nine 3-pointer scoring explosion, propelling the Warriors to a commanding 103-89 victory over the Houston Rockets on May 3, 2025.
After three hard-fought games, the coveted Warriors punch their ticket to the next round, with Stephen Curry's 2:55 game-winning 3-pointer adding the final dagger to the Rockets' dreams. Yet, it was Hield's corner 3 to extend the lead to 20 that truly echoed in the arena.
Hield's lights-out performance was a fitting epilogue to a captivating duel. By game's end, he had sunk 27 of his 30 attempts from the field, with 22 points coming from beyond the arc – a performance that left both Curry and Green in awe.
"That's what the game called for and he answered it," Curry said, paying homage to Hield's exceptional effort. "And if I didn't throw him a grenade, he would have been 9 for 10," added Draymond Green, acknowledging Hield's unparalleled performance.
Defending All-Stars Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green met their match in Hield, who not only rained down 3s, but played lockdown defense throughout the game. Yet, it was Hield's first-half explosion that truly turned the tide in the Warriors' favor.
The Warriors entered the locker room with a comfortable 12-point lead (51-39), thanks to Hield's scorching 22-point first-half performance (8/9 FG, six 3s). The Rockets had successfully managed to stifle the duo of Curry and Jimmy Butler, forcing Alfred to step up when it mattered most.
"Buddy getting hot changed the whole game in the first half," coach Steve Kerr reflected.
This thrilling performance came just one game after Hield was held scoreless while shooting 0-4 from the field in a heartbreaking Game 6 loss. He scored only four points in Game 5 and combined for a dismal seven points in the first two games of the series.
Yet, Hield cemented his place in the starting lineup with his career-defining night, fuelling Golden State's winning run. This loyal band of warriors – Curry, Butler, Green, Hield, and Podziemski – had proven to be the team's most effective five-man unit throughout the series.
Talking to Kevon Looney on the bench, Hield beamed with pride at his starting position. "Like, man, I'm so glad I'm starting tonight. I don't know how it would've been coming off the bench because coming off the bench in a Game 7 would have been really hard."
Hield's ninth playoff appearance and second foray into the postseason concluded on a high note. His sensational display in Game 7 earned him the adoration of his peers and cemented his place in Warriors' lore.
"This was not just a lights-out shooting performance from Buddy; it was a two-way performance," Kerr said. "I thought his defense was fantastic."
"The 33 points were great, nine 3s – incredible," Green praised. But what he did on the defensive end was even more impressive."
Butler, known for his legendary sharp tongue, even offered a rare compliment to Hield. "Buddy was really, really, really big for us tonight."
The Bahamian's easy-going demeanor provided a welcome boost to the Warriors' locker room, but in this pivotal contest, Hield proved that he was a force to be reckoned with. Sound familiar?
If there was such a thing as "Game 6 Klay," could there be a "Game 7 Buddy"?
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- Buddy Hield's sensational display in Game 7 propelled the Bay Area Newsgroup's Warriors to an impressive 103-89 win over the Houston Rockets, marking his career-defining night.
- After struggling in previous games, Hield sunk 27 out of 30 shots from the field, with 22 points coming from beyond the arc, leaving Curry and Green in awe.
- Hield's performance was not just a lights-out shooting display; it also showcased his exceptional defensive skills, earning him praise from his teammates and coach.
- Furthermore, Hield's exceptional performance solidified his position in the starting lineup and fuelled the Warriors' winning run, potentially inspiring a 'Game 7 Buddy' phenomenon in future sports contests.
