Golden State Warriors shooting guard Buddy Hield has had a spectacular start to the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He is making a lasting impact in his first season with the Warriors.
During the regular season, Hield put up solid numbers. He averaged 11.1 ppg, 1.6 apg, and 3.2 rpg in only 22.7 min/game. While these numbers aren’t necessarily attention-grabbing, Hield’s role on the Warriors is being the sixth man. He comes off the bench and provides them with whatever they need.
Head coach Steve Kerr knew that Hield was going to be their sixth man back at the start of the season in October. He understood how valuable he could be in that role because of his talent and personality, stating, “He’s not shy, and we need that.”
Hield has been quite the contributor off the bench in the playoffs this year. He has increased his production to averaging 12.5 ppg, 1.6 apg, and 3.4 rpg in 25.3 min/game. This has been the perfect boost that the Warriors have needed. He has come in during crucial moments and contributed significantly.
In particular, Hield had a stellar Game Seven performance against the Houston Rockets in the first round. He led the team in scoring with a playoff career-high 33 points. He shot an amazing 9-11 from three-point range, which tied the NBA Playoff record for most three-pointers made in a Game Seven. He finished the night an outstanding 12-15 from the field, largely helping the Warriors defeat the Rockets 103-89.
This performance was a breakout for Hield and he was able to carry that positive momentum into his most recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals, he scored 24 points, shooting 5-8 from beyond the arc. It was essential for him to step up in this game because Warriors superstar Stephen Curry suffered a left hamstring strain in the second quarter and did not return to the game.
This put the Warriors at a huge disadvantage, but Hield understood the importance of stepping up and repeating a similar performance to his last game.
After his exceptional Game Seven performance against the Rockets, Hield was interviewed. He said that after their Game Six loss at home, the Warriors had a “very emotional meeting led by Draymond, Steph, and Jimmy. From then, I was just locked in.” This shows how much he respects his teammates and how much he values not letting them down.
The Warriors should take note of this and know that they have a reliable player with high character. They now know that they can lean on him if they need to, which is game-changing because they already have the superstar qualities of Curry and Jimmy Butler. Also, they will need to rely on him more if Curry doesn’t return.
The importance of Hield to the Warriors team is only growing. They will continue to need him to perform at a high level as they strive for an NBA Championship this season.
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