6-of-7 from Three! Has the Warriors’ Heir to Klay Thompson Finally Arrived?

The Golden State Warriors’ 122-112 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings was more than just a routine tune-up. It marked a new chapter in the team’s storied history of elite sharpshooting. While it may have been a preseason game, the Warriors showed flashes of their trademark offensive dominance, shooting a blistering 28-for-52 from beyond the arc—just one shy of their franchise record in the regular season and two away from the all-time NBA record. Every player seemed to be contributing from deep, making this a true team effort. But one name stood out above the rest: Buddy Hield.

In his second game with the Warriors, Hield delivered a performance that had Warriors fans buzzing, and perhaps even had Klay Thompson—watching from Dallas—feeling a bit nostalgic. Hield shot an incredible 9-of-8 from the field, including 6-of-7 from three, nearly finishing the game with a flawless 22-point performance in just over 20 minutes. It was the kind of shooting display that has become synonymous with Golden State’s brand of basketball, and one that immediately had fans asking the question: Has the team found their next great shooter to carry the torch from Thompson?

The Warriors’ official social media accounts were quick to heap praise on Hield, applauding the energy and passion he brought to the floor. In fact, the admiration was so effusive that fans joked the team was ready to give Hield the royal treatment after just two preseason games. And why not? The Warriors secured Hield this offseason in a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 75ers, locking him in on a four-year, $38 million contract. At 30 years old, Hield is in his prime, and his shooting credentials are undeniable: a career 40% shooter from deep who has averaged 3 made three-pointers per game throughout his career.

Head coach Steve Kerr expressed confidence in Hield’s abilities, saying, “Even though we lost Klay [Thompson], our shooting depth has actually gotten stronger. We have more players who can step up now.” It’s hard to argue with Kerr, especially after watching Hield’s performance. The precision, the confidence, and the quick release—all elements that Warriors fans have grown accustomed to with Thompson—were on full display. As Thompson prepares for a possible return in Dallas after his Achilles injury, Hield’s emergence is proving to be an unexpected blessing for the team.

A Seamless Fit: Hield's Role in the Warriors’ System

Since arriving in Golden State, Hield has made it clear that he’s not here to simply fill in the gaps. He’s committed to fully embracing the Warriors’ system of play, which demands a combination of movement, unselfishness, and of course, elite three-point shooting. His ability to knock down shots from deep at such a high clip makes him a perfect fit alongside Stephen Curry, and it’s no surprise that the team has looked even more dangerous from beyond the arc with Hield in the fold.

Hield’s impact hasn’t been limited to just scoring. Warriors insiders have reported that he has also committed to improving his physical conditioning to match the rigorous demands of Kerr’s system. According to team reports, Hield has bulked up significantly over the summer, drawing comparisons to New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson due to his newfound strength and agility. As a result, Hield’s presence on the court as a “muscle shooter” gives the Warriors an added dimension that they haven’t had in recent years.

However, despite Hield’s preseason heroics, it’s worth noting that he has been coming off the bench so far. In the Warriors’ first two preseason games, Hield has been used as a sixth man, with his backcourt partnership still up in the air. In the first game against the Clippers, De’Anthony Melton started alongside Curry, while in the second game against the Kings, it was rookie Brandin Podziemski. Hield’s role off the bench seems like a strategic move by Kerr to maintain shooting depth across all rotations, but many expect Hield to take on a larger role as the season progresses.

A Deeper, Stronger Warriors Roster

Beyond Hield, the Warriors’ starting lineup still remains somewhat fluid as the team works out the best combinations ahead of the regular season. Andrew Wiggins has yet to return to action, and his absence has opened up an opportunity for Jonathan Kuminga, who has been making the most of his minutes in the preseason. Kuminga, who is entering a contract year, has averaged 23 points and 9 rebounds over the first two games, showing that he’s ready to stake his claim as the Warriors’ starting small forward. After a summer spent in the gym working on his game, Kuminga could be in line for a breakout season if he continues on this trajectory.

Kuminga’s emergence adds to a growing sense that the Warriors’ roster is deeper and more versatile than in recent years. This depth is crucial, especially as Golden State navigates the wild and unpredictable Western Conference. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Dallas Mavericks are all on the rise, while established powers like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers remain serious contenders.

However, even with the conference getting stronger, it’s hard to discount a Warriors team that still boasts Stephen Curry, one of the greatest shooters of all time, and Draymond Green, the defensive heartbeat of the team. Add in Hield’s elite shooting, Kuminga’s potential breakout, and the supporting cast of Melton, Podziemski, and Gary Payton II, and you have a team that could surprise many in the West this season.

The Spurs’ New Dynamic Duo: Paul and Wembanyama

Elsewhere in the preseason, the San Antonio Spurs made headlines of their own as the newly formed duo of Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama took the floor for the first time. The two combined for 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 107-97 victory over the Orlando Magic, providing Spurs fans with a glimpse of what’s to come.

In one of the game’s most memorable moments, Paul executed a perfectly timed alley-oop to Wembanyama, who threw down a two-handed dunk over the defense. The connection between the two players was immediate and electrifying, showcasing a level of chemistry that could prove dangerous for opponents in the regular season.

Wembanyama, fresh off a rookie season where he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks, looks poised to take an even bigger leap in his second year. With Paul, one of the league’s best playmakers, now feeding him the ball, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Wembanyama contend for an All-Star spot as early as this season.

Paul, for his part, is looking to become the oldest player in NBA history to lead the league in assists, a feat that many believe is within reach now that he’s paired with a talent like Wembanyama.

As the preseason unfolds, the Western Conference remains as competitive and unpredictable as ever. While the Warriors and Spurs didn’t make the playoffs last season, both teams have made significant strides to ensure they’ll be among the teams to watch in 2024. Whether it's the Warriors’ deep shooting or the Spurs’ dynamic new duo, the race to the postseason is sure to be a thrilling one.