Buddy Hield’s unstoppable three-point shooting is Golden State’s secret weapon 2025
The Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, have made the Golden State Warriors famous for their ability to dominate three-point shooting. Their ability to rain triples from ridiculous distances and stretch defences transformed the NBA and established a standard for contemporary basketball. However, Buddy Hield, a new sharpshooter, has become the Warriors’ secret weapon in 2025 as they pursue another championship. Hield has become the ideal addition to Golden State’s system, taking their offence to terrifying new heights with his lightning-fast release, unrelenting off-ball movement, and deadly accuracy.
Alcatraz
The Making of a Sharpshooter
Born in the Bahamas’ Freeport, Growing up, Chavano Rainer “Buddy” Hield practiced his skills on outdoor courts in the Caribbean sun, always holding a basketball in his hands. His rise from a tiny island to NBA fame is evidence of his perseverance and work ethic. Hield developed into one of college basketball’s top scorers at the University of Oklahoma, where he won the Naismith Award in 2016 for his ability to make baskets from any position on the court.
Hield has played for several teams in the NBA, including the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Philadelphia 76ers, since joining the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016. Hield’s ability to score was always undeniable, but he frequently found himself in lineups that didn’t make the most of his exceptional shooting. That changed when he signed a sign-and-trade with the Warriors in the 2024 offseason, which felt like a basketball dream come true.
A Perfect Fit for the Warriors’ System
For a player like Hield, Golden State’s motion offense—which is based on precise passing, open three-point looks, and constant movement—is ideal. As a former shooter, coach Steve Kerr has consistently stressed the value of shooting and spacing. Hield’s presence gives opponents an additional level of complexity, even though Curry is still the force that bends defences.
Hield has beautiful off-ball movement. He runs through screens, darts to corners, and moves deliberately, constantly searching for a sliver of light. Defenders have no room for error because of his quick release, which is reminiscent of Ray Allen in his best days. The ball is already splashing through the net when you blink. Hield is shooting 39.8% from three on 7.2 attempts per game on average in the 2024–25 season, which is comparable to some of the league’s top shooters.
But it’s not just about volume or efficiency. Hield’s shooting forces defenses to make impossible choices. Double-team Curry, and Hield is wide open in the corner. Collapse on a driving Draymond Green, and Hield is ready to punish from the wing. His gravity as a shooter creates a ripple effect, opening driving lanes for Curry, Jonathan Kuminga, and Dennis Schröder, who joined the Warriors in a blockbuster trade to bolster their backcourt.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Let’s dive into the stats. As of early May 2025, Hield ranks among the NBA’s top three-point shooters in both makes and attempts. He’s on pace to surpass 250 three-pointers for the season, a mark that would place him in elite company alongside Curry, Thompson, and James Harden. His true shooting percentage, a metric that accounts for three-pointers and free throws, hovers around 60%, underscoring his efficiency as a high-volume shooter.
Hield’s impact is even more pronounced in clutch situations. In games decided by five points or less, he’s shooting a staggering 44% from beyond the arc, often delivering dagger threes that swing momentum. His ability to stay calm under pressure has endeared him to Warriors fans, who have seen their fair share of clutch performers over the years.
Hield’s value is further highlighted by advanced metrics. He has one of the team’s highest offensive ratings (points per 100 possessions), and his net rating (the difference in points when he’s on the court) shows how well he contributes on both ends. Although Hield isn’t renowned for his defensive prowess, Kerr has helped him develop his effort and basketball IQ, which makes him a decent defender in Golden State’s team-oriented scheme.
Chemistry with the Core
How Hield would get along with the Warriors’ current stars was one of the main concerns surrounding his arrival. Based on years of mutual achievement and sacrifice, Curry, Green, and Thompson (prior to his departure) had a special chemistry. Could a gunner veteran like Hield adjust to a system that requires selflessness?
The response has been overwhelmingly in the affirmative. Hield has accepted his position as a supporting player, taking advantage of his chances while showing respect for Curry. He has gained popularity off the court thanks to his contagious smile and easygoing personality, which blend in perfectly with the Bay Area’s atmosphere. Legends have been created about Hield and Curry pushing each other to new heights in shooting competitions after practice.
Hield’s work ethic and eagerness to learn have been commended by Green, the team’s emotional centre. In a recent postgame interview, Green declared, “Buddy is a pro.” He works hard every day and improves us. He and Steph cannot be protected simultaneously. Best of luck.
The Playoff X-Factor
Hield’s shooting is a possible game-changer as the 2025 playoffs draw near. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Lakers are fierce rivals of the Warriors, who are vying for the top seed in the Western Conference. Hield’s ability to stretch defences could mean the difference between a deep run and an early exit in the postseason, where every possession counts.
Imagine this: The Western Conference Finals are in Game 7. In the last minute, the Warriors and Thunder are tied. Curry kicks the ball out to Hield in the corner after drawing two defenders on a pick-and-roll. Hield gets up and makes a contested three while holding his hand to his face, sending Chase Centre into a tizzy. Hield was destined for this kind of moment, and Warriors supporters have grown accustomed to it.
Beyond the Arc: Hield’s Broader Impact
Hield’s impact goes beyond just his shooting. For a Warriors team incorporating fresh talent like Schröder and rookie sensation Brandin Podziemski, his seasoned presence has served as a stabilising influence. In the midst of an 82-game season, Hield’s professionalism and upbeat demeanour have kept the team focused.
Hield maintains a strong bond with his Bahamian heritage off the court. He hosts camps and motivates the upcoming generation of basketball players as an ambassador for the sport in the Caribbean. He has gained respect outside of the basketball community for his humanitarian endeavours, which include helping to rebuild Bahamas communities following natural disasters.
The Road Ahead
Hield, who is 32 years old, is in the prime of his career and has a number of successful seasons left. His four-year contract with the Warriors offers him security and the opportunity to compete for a championship with one of the best teams in NBA history. Curry is still the team’s face, but Hield’s rise as a dependable backup has added a new dimension to Golden State.
One thing is certain as the Warriors get ready for another postseason run: Buddy Hield’s unstoppable three-point shooting is no longer a secret. It is a weapon that has the potential to return Golden State to the summit of the mountain. Hield is the ideal warrior for the modern game—a sharpshooter whose impact is felt with every shot—in a league where shooting and spacing are crucial.
