Buddy Hield returned to the Golden State Warriors’ rotation on short notice Saturday night and delivered 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting in an 18-minute burst that helped Golden State secure a home win over the Charlotte Hornets.
The 33-year-old swingman entered the lineup after Jimmy Butler was ruled out shortly before tip-off because of personal reasons. Hield, who is averaging just 32.7% from three-point range in a limited role this season, added three rebounds, three blocks and two steals in the victory.
“It was great,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever seen. The light that he brings to the locker room every day is infectious and powerful. I was happy for him that he had that night given that he’s been out of the loop for a while.”
Late scratch creates confusion
Butler had been introduced as a starter during pregame announcements, leaving the Chase Center crowd puzzled when rookie forward Will Richard opened the game in his place. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. informed Kerr that Butler’s absence was not a cause for concern, according to the coach.
Richard finished with 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. DeAnthony Melton paced the Warriors with 24 points, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals.
Kerr doubts 73-win mark will fall
Before the game, Kerr told reporters he no longer believes an NBA team will break Golden State’s single-season record of 73 regular-season victories set in 2015-16. “You have to have good health, you have to have some luck,” he said. “Most teams probably aren’t going to push themselves that hard to get there. My guess is it won’t be broken.”
The Warriors continue their homestand Monday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
