Buddy Heald revealed that Jimmy Butler motivated him to step up for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets.
Jimmy Butler suffered from pelvic contempt after a nasty fall in Game 2, but his status remains unknown for the rest of the series.
With him out, Steph Curry scored 36 points for the Golden State Warriors, grabbed seven rebounds and nine assists to lead the team to a 104-93 victory at home.
This was a typical curry playoff performance with some big plays throughout the game, but he was also well supported by Buddy Heald and Gary Payton II on the night of the day.
The duo combined to score 33 points off the bench and created some key shots to help the Warriors win on the road.
In particular, Hield was great from the 3-point range, shooting 5-11 over the arc, with curry making the most of its game.
During a post-match press conference, Hield revealed how Butler’s absence encouraged him to step up.
The veteran player revealed that he had to be Alfred of the team, as he knew Jimmy Butler was out.
Earlier in the season, Butler issued a statement saying Curry was the Batman of the team and he was Robin.
Hield’s “Alfred” reference was directed at Butler’s statement, referring to the comic Batman Butler. And with six All-Star Outs, it was certainly a big performance from the veteran racer.
Speaking about the game, Hield said:
“Jimmy is out, you know what’s on the verge of crisis. I don’t want to go 2-1 in the series, especially at home and in the first playoff game. I want to make an impression, fit my physicality, come out and make a shot.”
Hield started the season strongly, but he had a mid-season slump and although his shots didn’t go down, he was still able to shoot 37% from the 3-point range.
It wasn’t a great year for him beyond the Ark, but Hield stepped up a few times to show how dangerous he was.
His Game 3 performance shows what he can produce when he happens, but the Warriors need it more, especially from the guy Butler injured now.
The 35-year-old was able to force his own path, but the warriors didn’t want him to hurry and get injured as it could affect his future career.
Butler has been sensational since his travels to Chase Centre. So his absence will be massive.
However, the Warriors have the experience they need to win from this stage with a 2-1 lead in Game 4.
The contribution of the bench for Hield and Payton II proved to be a game 3 difference, and the Warriors were able to win the series as the duo continued to post performances like this.