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Through the first four games of their first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets, the Golden State Warriors hold a commanding 3-1 lead. With just one game left before advancing and upsetting the second-seeded Rockets, the Warriors seem to have a winning game plan.
In all three of their wins, the Dubs held Jalen Green to under ten points. Despite going off for 38 in Game 2, he is still shooting just 39 percent from the floor in the series, and the Warriors have thrown all of their defenders at him.
Even players who have no business playing high-stakes defense have risen to the occasion.
Apr 28, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) smiles with guard Buddy Hield (7) between plays against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter of game four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round at Chase Center. © Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
When the Warriors added Buddy Hield last offseason, they knew he wouldn't be an All-Defensive talent. Hield is one of the best shooters ever, but unlike Stephen Curry, his game is very one-dimensional.
However, in this series, he has risen to the occasion, often pressing full-court. He has forced four of Green's nine turnovers in the series so far.
"I'm going to utter some words that have never been spoken before by anybody on Earth: Buddy Hield, you set the tone defensively," said Steve Kerr. "You can guard, and you did that tonight. Hell of a job."
While the job isn't finished yet, the Warriors can't help but look ahead to their second-round matchup, most likely against the Minnesota Timberwolves. If Hield can remain a defensive force moving forward, slowing down Donte DiVincenzo or even Anthony Edwards, then the Warriors have a great chance of continuing to upset the West.
Check out the Inside the Warriors homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Continue reading...
In all three of their wins, the Dubs held Jalen Green to under ten points. Despite going off for 38 in Game 2, he is still shooting just 39 percent from the floor in the series, and the Warriors have thrown all of their defenders at him.
Even players who have no business playing high-stakes defense have risen to the occasion.
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Apr 28, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) smiles with guard Buddy Hield (7) between plays against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter of game four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round at Chase Center. © Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
When the Warriors added Buddy Hield last offseason, they knew he wouldn't be an All-Defensive talent. Hield is one of the best shooters ever, but unlike Stephen Curry, his game is very one-dimensional.
However, in this series, he has risen to the occasion, often pressing full-court. He has forced four of Green's nine turnovers in the series so far.
"I'm going to utter some words that have never been spoken before by anybody on Earth: Buddy Hield, you set the tone defensively," said Steve Kerr. "You can guard, and you did that tonight. Hell of a job."
While the job isn't finished yet, the Warriors can't help but look ahead to their second-round matchup, most likely against the Minnesota Timberwolves. If Hield can remain a defensive force moving forward, slowing down Donte DiVincenzo or even Anthony Edwards, then the Warriors have a great chance of continuing to upset the West.
Check out the Inside the Warriors homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Steve Kerr, Draymond Green Credited With Golden State Warriors’ Success, ‘That Spells Trouble…’
Related: Brandin Podziemski Makes Confident Statement After Warriors’ Game 4 Win Over Rockets
Related: Brandin Podziemski Makes Confident Statement After Warriors’ Game 4 Win Over Rockets
Continue reading...
