Buddy Hield had an interesting reaction to the news of Lillard’s comeback. After ESPN insider Shams Charania reported on social media that Lillard had signed a three-year, $42 million contract to rejoin the Trail Blazers, the Warriors guard simply commented, “Real,” on Charania’s Instagram post.

There had been growing speculation that Lillard, an Oakland native, might make a homecoming to the Bay Area and join Golden State. The rumors gained serious traction in recent weeks, fueling excitement about a potential move that could have elevated the Warriors back into title contention. Instead, the 35-year-old chose loyalty and familiarity, returning to the franchise that drafted him.

Lillard still faces a tough road ahead. The veteran guard ruptured his Achilles tendon in April, and an injury of that severity demands a long and grueling rehabilitation process. His availability for the 2025–26 NBA season remains uncertain, leaving Portland in limbo as they await his recovery.

The Milwaukee Bucks waived Lillard earlier this offseason, stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract across the next five years. That financial maneuver opened the door for his return to Portland, where he will attempt to revive his NBA career post-injury.

For now, the Warriors maintain their current core, headlined by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. The trio hopes to steer the team back into playoff contention and potentially compete for another championship in what could be a defining season.

Hield’s role will be critical. Known for his perimeter shooting, the guard is expected to provide consistent scoring off the bench and stretch opposing defenses. That said, the pressure to become the “new Splash Brother” may already be weighing on him—a label that can be both flattering and burdensome for any shooter in Golden State’s system.

Looking ahead, the Warriors remain focused on their most urgent need: acquiring a legitimate center. The recent trade of Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans signals a shift in strategy and a clear intent to strengthen the interior. Golden State may be quiet now, but a bigger move could be on the horizon.

Despite Curry’s absence, his presence still loomed large—especially in the eyes of teammate Buddy Hield. Speaking to reporters postgame, Hield didn’t hold back when asked whether he feels pressure trying to replicate Curry’s production.

“If you’re coming in thinking you’ve got to, like, fill his role, you’re crazy because he does so much for this team,” Hield said. “Trust me, everybody would like to do it, but he’s touched by an angel. He’s touched by God. He’s blessed. He’s Steph Curry, man. He’s always supportive, always there, talking to the guys. I’m getting the Steph rules right now. And I told him, I see what you go through. But it’s fun.”

For Warriors fans, the hope is clear: that “God” shows up soon—and helps get Curry back on the floor. With Minnesota rising behind a red-hot Anthony Edwards, Golden State needs their two-time MVP if they hope to turn the tide in this series.

Kuminga steps up in Curry’s absence

While Curry watched from the sidelines, head coach Steve Kerr singled out one player who seized the opportunity to rise to the moment. “Jonathan Kuminga played one of the best games of his life. It was fantastic to see,” Kerr said after the loss. “You can see how necessary he is in this matchup.”

Kuminga delivered a breakout performance, finishing with 33 points and seven assists. His assertiveness on both ends of the floor showed a maturity that the Warriors desperately needed in Curry’s absence.

Stephen Curry injury update: Progress, but still uncertain

There’s cautious optimism surrounding Curry’s return, though nothing is confirmed for Game 4. According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Curry went through a rigorous pregame workout ahead of Game 3—a significant step forward in his recovery.

“About 90 minutes before tip on Saturday night, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry went through a pretty strenuous workout on the team’s practice court in the dungeons of Chase Center,” Slater reported. “It was the clearest initial step in what Curry hopes to be an expedited return from the hamstring strain that has come to define this second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.”

While Curry didn’t go full speed, he completed a mid-intensity shooting NBA session and time on the stationary bike. He hasn’t yet tested his hamstring with full cuts or explosive movements, which will be the final hurdle before clearance. Curry is expected to be reevaluated on Wednesday.

After the win, Curry had high praise for Hield’s timely performance. “That’s what the game called for, and he answered it,” Curry said. “He’s been up and down all series, but he was playing great in this building. That shooting confidence—when the game tells you to shoot and you knock it down—it feels great. This is only his second playoff run, and to have that kind of confidence is huge. I’m really happy for him.”

Golden State’s game plan worked to near perfection—especially in the first half. Curry embraced a decoy role and scored just three points before the break, opening up space for Hield to attack. The sharpshooter capitalized, dropping 21 points in the first half alone and finishing with a playoff career-high 33 points, including nine made three-pointers.

Curry and Green execute the plan to perfection

Following the win, Curry and Green shared a brief on-court conversation, reflecting on their game plan and defensive goals. “We were just talking about the score,” Curry said. “We wanted to keep them under 90 [points].”

Golden State’s defense delivered exactly that. The Rockets were limited to just 40.5% shooting from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. According to Curry, it was a target they had aimed for repeatedly throughout the series.

“We had done it a couple of times, and we won,” he added. “We felt very confident that if we did that again, we’d be able to score enough to create some separation, and that’s kind of how it played out.”

Draymond Green highlights Hield’s two-way impact

While Hield’s 33-point explosion stole headlines, Draymond Green emphasized the guard’s underrated work on the defensive end vs Rockets.

“The 33 points were great. Nine threes? Incredible,” Green told reporters. “But what he did on the defensive end was even more impressive. He took on every matchup—whether it was Jalen [Green] or Fred [VanVleet]—pressuring the ball, fighting through screens, switching onto Şengün in the post, forcing a miss, and even securing the loose ball. He made winning plays all night.”

The Warriors now advance to the NBA Western Conference Semifinals, once again showing that their playoff DNA—and the rise of unlikely contributors like Hield—could make them a dangerous threat in the weeks ahead.

“I hate to give Buddy a compliment, so I’m not going to…But No. 7 on our team really brought the defensive mentality tonight, made some big shots… and he stinks, I just gotta add that too,” stated Jimmy Butler on press conference.

Buddy Hield and Jimmy Butler have always shared a playful relationship. Their chemistry fits perfectly with the Warriors’ culture, and their statements reflected that bond. Butler did not hesitate Buddy’s impact on court. Along with Draymond Green, he took charge in the defensive sector and stopped many of the Rockets’ offensive efforts. Moreover, he did not abandon his scoring role adding 15 points, further demonstrating his influence on the team’s performance.

Following their Game 4 victory, the Warriors are now just one win away from clinching a spot in the NBA playoff semifinals. However, the next challenge is tough. Game 5 will be at the Toyota Center. The Rockets kept things close in the last game. They lost by just four points and showed real fight. Because of that, Game 5 is expected to be tight and competitive.

Stephen Curry gives a four-word message to describe Jimmy Butler’s performance

Despite his recent arrival to the Golden State Warriors, Jimmy has demonstrated his total commitment to making his name in the history of the franchise. Because of this, since his arrival, Butler has given an incredible performance in the team being an essential part of the balance of the roster.

In this postseason, ‘Playoff Jimmy’ has been reborn. In two of the last three games in which he has participated, Butler has managed to surpass 24 points without leaving behind his defensive commitment. In the all-important Game 4, Jimmy became the undisputed offensive leader.

At the press conference, Stephen Curry was asked about Butler’s in-game performance to which 4 words were enough to describe him: “Sheer determination and Will.”

Then, Curry added “We held it down in Game 3. I know he wanted to be out there. Injuries are tough, especially in the playoffs but for him to gut through that first half and get the will to get turnt up [for] the second half—both ends of the floor. It’s why he is who he is. It’s why he means so much to us. Gutty performance for sure.“

“When guys were traded, it was a rough day for [Warriors coach Steve Kerr]. Especially with Wiggs, it was emotional in that locker room. I was even more emotional because I wish it was me that got traded because Wiggs did so much for this franchise…I hated to see him go like that because he’s done so much for this franchise. And I said, ‘Man, I wish that was me,’ because he’s put his mark on this franchise, and I know how much he meant to this franchise and the city of San Fran,” confessed Buddy Hield on 95.7 The Game.

Andrew Wiggins earned the full respect of Warriors fans. He played a crucial role in the franchise’s long-awaited NBA championship victory. His versatility made him essential in Steve Kerr’s system. He impacted both ends of the court without losing his scoring ability. His departure left a noticeable gap. However, the Warriors have found success by showing impressive stability and resilience.

Despite the disappointment of Wiggins’ departure, Buddy Hield has become an important contributor for the Warriors. His scoring and experience have been crucial to the team’s success.

Additionally, Jimmy Butler’s arrival has helped Steve Kerr find the right balance in his roster. Butler has played a key role in strengthening the team’s defense while also elevating the performances of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

How is Andrew Wiggins performing with the Miami Heat?

Andrew Wiggins is having a strong season with the Miami Heat. In his last four games, he scored over 19 points, standing out as one of the team’s top performers. However, the Heat have now suffered six consecutive losses, revealing a clear lack of balance in their squad.

Wiggins’ impact alone has not been enough to fix the team’s ongoing struggles. Their defensive issues have persisted since the start of the season, and head coach Erik Spoelstra has yet to find a solution.

The Miami Heat‘s struggles reveal their heavy dependence on individual performances. This has hurt their ability to play as a cohesive unit. To improve, they must tighten their defense and support Andrew Wiggins and Tyler Herro consistently. Without better balance, their over-reliance on key players may continue to hurt them.

Hield has brought an infectious energy to Golden State, and his impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, he has quickly become one of Stephen Curry’s most beloved teammates.

“Steph told me he’s one of his favorite teammates of all time. Buddy is,” Kerr revealed on 95.7 The Game’s Willard & Dibs show. “Just the joy that he brings, the laughter, the upbeat nature—regardless of how things are going, whether he’s making shots or missing shots, he’s always in a good mood. And that stuff is crucial in a long season.”

“In the locker room, you need guys like that. So everybody loves Buddy. He’s just a wonderful, wonderful person.” Hield’s presence has been a key factor in helping the Warriors regain their footing in the Western Conference. Now sitting at the No. 6 seed, Golden State is focused on securing a postseason berth.

Buddy Hield responds to Curry’s praise

After Kerr’s revelation about Curry’s admiration for him, Hield addressed the comments during an interview on 95.7 The Game’s Steiny & Guru show at Chase Center.

“It means a lot, coming from a guy like him,” Hield said. “I’m just here trying to be a sponge and learn from him every day. I know he goes through a lot on and off the basketball court.”

“Just what he’s chasing, the ups and downs of the season—so I’m just trying to keep that positive light around him, make him smile, make him enjoy every day. Sixteen years in the league is a lot. I’m at nine years, and I already see the pressure and the ups and downs. It’s never easy, especially for a guy of his stature and how long he’s been carrying this league.”

“I just know that he needs that positivity around him all the time, good energy and good vibes. If I can be that positive energy—so he can feed off it every day, whether he’s having good or bad days—it’s good for us and good for the team.”

The importance of locker room chemistry

It’s clear that team performance isn’t just about skill—it also depends on mentality and chemistry within the locker room. In professional sports, players with contagious energy like Hield are often referred to as “glue guys,” but he has proven to be much more than that for the Warriors.

The team has displayed strong cohesion in recent games, and beyond their improved play, it’s evident how attitudes can spread within a roster. Since the arrival of Jimmy Butler, Golden State has seen firsthand how the mentality of one player can elevate an entire team. That’s exactly the kind of impact Buddy Hield is having—bringing energy, positivity, and a winning mindset to a team looking to make a deep NBA playoff run.

“Schroder is expected to step into a large role in the Warriors’ backcourt. He’s an extra scorer and pick-and-roll ballhandler who should be able to run some offense while Steph Curry is off the court, yet also fit next to Curry in certain lineups, the Warriors believe, because of his pesky defense. Schroder’s arrival will likely lessen the minute totals for Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield, among others,” reported Slater.

On one hand, the reduction in minutes for rookie Brandin Podziemski was widely anticipated, as the 21-year-old is only in his second year in the NBA. Despite a promising debut season, where he averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, Podziemski’s performance has dipped this year, with averages of just 7.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. This decline has had an impact on the Golden State Warriors’ veterans, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, who have yet to find a reliable supporting piece in Podziemski as they struggle to regain form and have fallen to 5th place in the Western Conference.

On the other hand, despite a strong start to the season, Buddy Hield’s performance has tapered off in recent games. Currently, he is averaging 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. While his numbers are not as low as those of rookie Brandin Podziemski, Hield has managed to maintain solid offensive efficiency. As a result, many fans are understandably displeased with the decision to reduce his playing time.

Dennis Schroder is undoubtedly enjoying the best stretch of his career, posting impressive numbers this season with an average of 18.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. Along with his strong scoring ability, his solid defensive contributions will likely win over fans. Buddy Hield will face stiff competition for the starting role, which could ultimately benefit both the team and Hield’s professional development.

Rookie Brandin Podziemski had previously been criticized by Steve Kerr

Steve Kerr had previously criticized rookie Brandin Podziemski’s performance following a 119-115 loss to the Denver Nuggets. “Podz is a hell of a player, but he needs to, and I’ve told him this, he needs to be a smart player, he is one of our guys whose capable of making really good decisions… you just keep hitting singles, throw the ball to the open guy. He had the same play last week against Brooklyn where he tried to throw a lob over his shoulder. He cannot be that guy. And he cannot foul jump shooters,” expressed Kerr.

There is no doubt that Brandin Podziemski is a player with immense potential, and it is clear that coach Steve Kerr values his game. However, his youth and inexperience suggest that he still needs time to fully take on more significant responsibilities. At this point, some of the roles he has been given have proven to be a bit too much for him.

With Andrew Wiggins sidelined due to injury, Steve Kerr entrusted Hield with a starting role alongside Curry. Though the 31-year-old struggled to find his rhythm early, he finished as the Warriors‘ second-highest scorer behind Curry, posting 27 points on 10-18 shooting from the field and 7-13 from beyond the arc.

After the game, Hield reflected on his experience last season in Philadelphia and compared it to his time in Golden State. “Last year, I didn’t have that love [for basketball],” Hield said via NBA TV. “We wanted to find a team that I can feel appreciated and loved… This team is just so unselfish. They make the right play. They play the way I want to play, and on and off the court, it’s a great group to be around.”

Hield also credited Curry, Kerr, and his new teammates for helping him feel at home. “Steph [Curry] and Steve [Kerr] reaching out to me during free agency, communicating [on] just being here, you know — Steve and Steph, and Draymond, and everybody,” Hield said. “GP [Gary Payton II], everybody, putting his arm around me, trying to help me get to my old self.”

Hield’s championship aspirations

Playing alongside NBA champions like Curry and Draymond Green, Hield acknowledged the opportunity to learn from proven winners. “I haven’t won yet in this league. So being around these guys, you want to learn how to win. You want to see how they do things,” Hield admitted.

“Just being here, I’m being a sponge and keeping my eyes open,” he continued. “Everything they do, I’m like, ‘Yes, sir,’ because these men have won four championships. I’m just learning their championship ways and habits.”

Kerr praises Hield’s performance

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr’s decision to start Hield paid off, even though the sharpshooter initially struggled. “Well, it took him a little bit,” Kerr said. “He missed shots early. But we’re at our best when we’re playing fast and with a lot of pace, and that’s what Buddy does really well. He runs the floor in transition probably better than anybody on our team.”

“He just sprints to the corners and creates a lot of space,” Kerr added. “Early in the season, he was getting a lot of shots in transition from the corners. So that was kind of the idea, to see if we could get him going again. Our offense has really been struggling. He eventually found his comfort zone and confidence and got going again.”

Hield has quickly adjusted to Steve Kerr‘s system, contributing to the Warriors‘ strong 2-0 season start. During the post-game press conference, when asked about the key to his rapid adaptation, Hield emphasized the team’s collective mindset.

“Everybody has the right intent, the right mindset, preaching togetherness, sacrificing. That’s starting from the leaders Steph and Draymond (Green), Steve (Kerr). Everybody’s coming together as one and everyone’s putting each other first,” Hield said.

He also spoke highly of Curry’s influence: “Steph is one of the most humble superstars I’ve ever been around. The way he carries himself on and off the basketball court. I just watch them and try to follow their footsteps and just look up to them… I see basketball in a different way than I did in previous teams.”

In the matchup against the Jazz, Hield stepped up with his shooting, hitting the three-pointers that Curry missed. He finished as the game’s top scorer with 27 points, a 71% shooting percentage, along with 4 rebounds and 6 assists. If Hield continues this level of performance through the season, the Warriors may not feel the absence of Klay Thompson as much as expected.

Shaq echoes Hield’s thoughts on Curry

Stephen Curry is widely regarded as a future NBA Hall of Famer, and despite his accolades and record-breaking achievements, his character remains unchanged. His humility and approach to the game are often highlighted by fellow stars and newcomers alike. Former Los Angeles Lakers great Shaquille O’Neal recently shared similar sentiments about Curry.

“You know why I love Steph Curry? Because I’ve never seen that before. I’ve never seen a guy consistently come down. If you look at Steph on the street, he doesn’t have the LeBron muscle, he’s not 6’9” he’s not 6’10”, he looks like a normal office guy. But he’s doing stuff that we’ve never seen before,” Shaq said in the Unapologetically Angel show with Angel Reese.

Curry’s 2024-25 season so far

While the Warriors have yet to face a significant challenge this season, Stephen Curry is still working to regain his top form. After recovering from a finger injury that kept him out of the last preseason game, Curry has been a vital presence for Golden State, even if not yet at his best.

In the season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers, Curry scored 17 points (shooting 1-of-3 on two-pointers and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc), adding 9 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals in 25 minutes. Against the Jazz, he tallied 20 points, but struggled with his shooting, converting just 35% of his attempts, alongside 3 rebounds and 4 assists.

Curry was rested during the fourth quarter in both games, with the Warriors boasting a +77-point differential, the best in the NBA. While his playmaking has been critical, Curry’s shooting accuracy from deep could become a concern if it doesn’t improve as the season progresses.

In the first few games, Buddy Hield has delivered excellent performances, leading the team in scoring and demonstrating high efficiency in three-point shooting. His ability to consistently score from long range has been crucial to the Warriors’ success.

Green emphasized Hield’s knack for finding space on the court and his strong connection with teammates. He also highlighted Hield’s leadership and his ability to bring the team together.

“We know what Buddy is going to give us,” Draymond Green commented following the 127-87 victory over the Utah Jazz. “He’s been doing exactly that, and we’ve got to make sure we keep doing a good job of finding him.”

A promising future for Hield with the Warriors

With Hield on the team, the Warriors have a solid combination of talent and experience. The chemistry between Hield, Stephen Curry, and Green seems to be working perfectly. If Hield continues to play at this level, the Warriors could become a dangerous team in the Western Conference.

The Warriors’ future in the NBA looks promising with Hield as a key player. His scoring ability and leadership will be critical to the team’s success in the years to come.

Although these are Hield’s first two games in a Warriors jersey, the former Philadelphia 76ers player had already made waves by setting a record in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, only to notch another historic feat in his second outing.

After becoming the first player since Paul George in 2022 to score at least 20 points in less than 15 minutes during his debut, Hield followed up by sinking seven three-pointers in the win over the Jazz, setting an all-time NBA record for the most threes in a player’s first two games with a new team.

Hield has quickly found his stride with Golden State, converting an impressive 12 out of 16 attempts from beyond the arc, setting an NBA benchmark – all without playing in the fourth quarter of either game.

Steve Kerr gets real on Hield’s impact

Following the victory over Utah, head coach Steve Kerr shared his thoughts on Hield’s addition. “It was incredible watching him that first half. He brings so much energy to the floor,” Kerr said of Hield. “Part of it is the way he plays, seeking those shots, seeking the threes and sprinting the floor.”

“He runs so hard both directions and sets a tone for us,” Kerr continued. “Then the other part is he’s just an incredible person and teammate. Full of joy, the bench is laughing all the time with him. What he brings to the team goes way beyond just his shooting, but that’s massive in and of itself. We’re thrilled to have Buddy.”

Draymond Green raves about Hield’s energy

After the game, Draymond Green was quick to praise the impressive start from his new teammate. “Great vibes, man, just great energy,” Green told reporters after the Warriors’ win. “He is a complete team guy. Buddy is the one trying to get everybody together for dinner, Buddy is the guy trying to get everyone together to hang out. He is the guy that’s kind of molding this whole thing together behind the scenes. And I think that’s a beautiful thing.”