The Golden State Warriors have advanced to the second round of the playoffs in the most electrifying fashion possible, thanks to a historic performance from Buddy Hield that left fans and analysts alike in awe. In a do-or-die Game 7 against the Houston Rockets, Hield tied an NBA playoff record with nine three-pointers, pouring in 37 points to propel the Warriors to a thrilling 118-112 victory. The sharpshooter’s unconscious performance from beyond the arc not only saved Golden State’s season but also etched his name into the history books alongside some of the greatest clutch shooters the game has ever seen.
From the opening tip, it was clear Hield had the hot hand. He drained his first three attempts from deep in the opening quarter, setting the tone for what would become a shooting clinic. The Rockets, known for their aggressive perimeter defense, threw everything they had at him—switching defenders, running him off the line, even double-teaming him at times—but nothing could slow him down. Every time Houston threatened to take control of the game, Hield responded with another dagger, his confidence growing with each make. By halftime, he already had six threes, tying the Game 7 record for most in a half, and the Warriors held a slim but crucial five-point lead.
The second half turned into a full-blown duel between Hield and Rockets superstar Jalen Green, who did everything in his power to keep Houston alive. Green finished with 34 points of his own, attacking the rim relentlessly and knocking down tough shots, but every time he seemed to swing momentum, Hield had an answer. The defining moment came late in the fourth quarter, with the Warriors clinging to a two-point lead and the shot clock winding down. Hield, tightly guarded, pulled up from 30 feet and buried his ninth three-pointer of the night, tying the all-time Game 7 record held by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The shot sent the Chase Center crowd into a frenzy and all but sealed the Rockets’ fate.
Hield’s performance was even more remarkable considering the circumstances. Acquired by the Warriors in a midseason trade, he had been a steady contributor but hadn’t yet had a true breakout moment in the playoffs. That changed in the biggest game of the season, as he outshone even his All-Star teammates, including Curry, who played a vital supporting role with 22 points and 10 assists. Draymond Green’s defense and playmaking were also critical down the stretch, but there was no question who the hero of the night was. When the final buzzer sounded, Hield was mobbed by his teammates, the weight of his performance finally sinking in.
For the Rockets, it was a heartbreaking end to what had been a resurgent season. After years of rebuilding, they had finally returned to contention behind Green and a talented young core, but their lack of playoff experience showed in key moments. Coach Ime Udoka’s adjustments kept them within striking distance all night, but they had no answer for Hield’s explosion. Alperen Şengün battled foul trouble all game, and while Dillon Brooks provided his usual defensive intensity, even he couldn’t contain the Warriors’ red-hot shooter when it mattered most.
As the Warriors move on to face the top-seeded Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals, the question now becomes: Can Hield keep this up? His performance was legendary, but Denver’s defense—anchored by Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon—will present a much stiffer challenge. If this game was any indication, though, Hield isn’t afraid of the moment. He’s waited his entire career for a stage like this, and now that he’s here, he’s making the most of it.
For one night, at least, Buddy Hield wasn’t just a role player—he was the best shooter on the planet. And because of that, the Warriors’ championship hopes are still very much alive.
