Golden State Warriors shooting guard Buddy Hield came through during Sunday’s 103-89 Game 7 first-round playoff road victory over the Houston Rockets. With his lights-out shooting display, the nine-year veteran made NBA history in just his 11th career postseason outing.
Hield recorded a game-high and playoff career-high 33 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, two blocks, and nine 3-pointers, shooting a scorching 12-for-15 (80%). He tallied 22 points and six triples in the first half as Golden State pulled away 51-39 by halftime.
The sharpshooter did the remainder of his scoring damage in the fourth quarter. This allowed his seventh-seeded Western Conference squad (48-34) to close out the second-seeded Rockets (52-30) with relative ease after leading by as many as 20 points.
Buddy Hield Achieves Unique Statistical Feat in Game 7
Per Polymarket Hoops, with his Game 7 eruption, Hield became the first player to finish a Game 7 with 30-plus points and zero free-throw attempts. The record is a testament to his shot-making capacity and bounce-back ability after struggling for most of the series. His nine triples also tied the NBA record for the most 3s in a Game 7 as he outshot the Rockets (6-for-18, 33.3%) from long distance.
Hield entered Sunday averaging just 7.2 points and 1.5 3-pointers per game, shooting just 37% and 29% from deep through six postseason contests. That includes his zero-point showing on 0-for-4 shooting during Friday’s 115-107 Game 6 home loss.
However, he stepped up when it mattered most, ensuring his veteran-laden team punched its ticket to the second round. Golden State will next match up against the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33), with Game 1 tipping off Tuesday in Minneapolis.
Hield Was Motivated by ‘Emotional’ Team Meeting Ahead of Game 7
Following Sunday’s Game 7 triumph, Hield spoke with TNT’s “Inside the NBA” crew about the motivation behind his scoring outburst. He attributed it to his team’s star trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, who took it upon themselves to ensure the Warriors were mentally prepared.
“Yesterday, when we got to Houston, we had a very emotional meeting led by Draymond, Steph, and Jimmy,” Hield said. “From then, I was just locked in and just getting my spirit together. The meeting we had just gave everybody chills. When we go to battle, we know what that means, and that meeting was well-needed.”
Hield was one of three Warriors to score 20-plus points, with Curry and Butler combining for 42 points. Meanwhile, the Rockets were led by sophomore wing Amen Thompson’s 24-point effort.
Hield will look to stay hot on Tuesday at Target Center in his first playoff contest beyond Round 1.
