If there were ever a perfect time for a nine-year veteran to produce the greatest statistical game of his life, a road Game Seven as the underdog likely qualifies as second to none. With each of his high-profile All-Star teammates relatively bottled by the Houston Rockets’ well-respected defense, May 4, 2025’s slugfest appeared to be “taking applications,” regarding the night’s defining talent. Through 42-foot buzzer-beaters, pump-fake-and-sidestep triples, and accurate catch-and-shoot spot-ups of every variation, Buddy Hield presented himself as the man for the job, allowing the Golden State Warriors to keep the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed at arm’s distance throughout. It wasn’t enough to merely be productive — Hield’s long-range downpour became one of brilliance, as he tied NBA history’s record for the most 3-point makes in a Game Seven setting (nine). Remarkable on both sides of the floor, Hield secured a permanent spot in Golden State’s highlight vignettes through a 33-point finish (on 12-of-15 shooting), backed by three boards, three assists, one steals, two swats, and the aforementioned trifecta record. · May 5, 2025