Former Sixers Guard Buddy Hield Leads Warriors Past Rockets in Game 7

The 2025 NBA playoffs have been all drama, upsets and performance that we'll never forget. These playoffs have provided an opportunity for former Philadelphia 76ers to strut their stuff on the game’s grandest stage. Buddy Hield, who once played for the Sixers, has also made his presence felt as a top reserve for the Golden State Warriors. In Game 7 against the Houston Rockets, Hield rose to the occasion as he helped power the Warriors to a commanding 103-89 victory. This is how he was instrumental in the Warriors’ Game 5 win and what the rest of the playoffs looks like for him and other former Sixers.

Buddy Hield’s Big Game 7 Performance Budden Hield was a star in Game 7 for the Kings against Utah, scoring 30 points without missing a shot from 3-point range.

What Buddy Hield did in Game 7 was nothing short of amazing. He emerged strong, wading for 22 first-half points that set the tone for the Warriors’ offense. His nine three-pointers from four locations on the floor highlighted his deep shooting range and his confidence in pressure situations. His contribution was crucial in helping the Warriors eliminate the Rockets with a high-stakes, winner-takes-all victory.

Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry's Performances in Win

Not that Hield was alone, by any means. Joining him was former Sixers star Jimmy Butler, who chipped in with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Butler chipped in with a little bit of everything to help Hield’s shooting, and the Warriors had a two-man tandem that gave the Rockets all sorts of problems. Stephen Curry also chipped in 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. He scores in all kinds of ways, not just 3-pointers when his jump shot isn't dropping but from the free-throw line, or on drives when he draws fouls or quick releases despite tight coverage. His rebounding, passing and leadership have been key for the Warriors moving into the second round.

Golden State Warriors The Championship Chasers

Finally, the Warriors are stacked after Curry, Hield and Butler all put in work as they enter the second round. The Warriors defeated the Timberwolves in Game 7 against the Rockets and home court against the travel-weary Rockets, and will meet the Timberwolves in Round 2 Game 1. The Timberwolves have been one of the surprises of these playoffs, but the Warriors’ talent and experience, as well as their depth, will be a tough team for anyone to upset. With their shooting, defense and veteran leadership, the Warriors are in the business of pushing deep into the playoffs.

Former Sixers Impact on the Playoffs

Though Buddy Hield’s Game 7 may have gotten the headlines, he is not the only former Sixer shining during the postseason. Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris are key contributors to their teams. That Mr. Butler scored 20 points and was the leader when it mattered most speaks to the player he has become since leaving Philadelphia. The dichotomy of Hield's path is a reminder that sometimes, a new environment is all that separates a good player from a great one.

Looking Ahead: What’s on the Horizon for Buddy Hield and the Warriors?

The Warriors are going to be in for a tough series against the Timberwolves after Game 7. Execution continues similarly in the playoffs, which makes value from Buddy Hield a key factor in Golden State’s ability to advance. He has shooting gravity, and that will be a boon for his teammates as Curry and Butler are both excellent in attacking mismatches. For Hield, the opportunity is to validate his status as one of the best shooters in the NBA. If he continues that level of performance come the clutch, the Warriors have the potential to go on a long run to the Finals.

Conclusion

“Why do the Sixers trade away all this talent” tweets were all over the place when Buddy Hield erupted in Game 7 as a not-so subtle reminder they just take said talent to the next level once out of Philly. Hield will be a prized story line farther into these playoffs if the Warriors move on. With an ex-Sixer in Jimmy Butler and the omnipresent danger of Mr. Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors have the NBA’s most interesting median outcome in the 2025 playoffs alongside the Rockets. But as the Kings inch closer to playing a tough team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Hield’s shooting and leadership will be important as the franchise tries to make a run at an NBA Championship.

What’s your opinion about Buddy Hield’s play in Game 7? Can the Golden State Warriors win it all these playoffs? What do you think? Share your comments below and don’t forget to follow updates on the NBA playoffs goings-on!