Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield sets career high in three-pointers made
Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield has been an incredible three-point shooter this season. He set the Pacers franchise record for threes made in one campaign before the All-Star break, and he is a near-lock to finish top-three in triples this season. He currently sits in second place, behind Golden State's Klay Thompson, with 283.
That 283 number was reached last night, when Hield nailed five outside shots against the Detroit Pistons. The Pacers lost, but the sweet-shooting guard had a solid outing with 22 points and six rebounds.
By nailing five threes and reaching 283 on the season, Hield has a new career high in three-pointers made. His previous best was 282 in 2020-21 with the Sacramento Kings. In his first full season with the Pacers, he surpassed that number. It took him 79 games to do it.
"It's a historic season for Buddy Hield," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said after the game. He added that Hield could be one of the most prolific shooters of all time if his career lasts long enough. "He's had a great year shooting the ball, no question about it."
The Pacers offensive rating, three-point percentage, and two-point percentage are all better with Hield on the court than on the bench. His accuracy from deep spaces out the floor and makes the Pacers offense far more potent, which has made him key all season long.
The blue and gold recently felt Hield's impact when he missed two games for the first time as a Pacer. It was much tougher to score without Hield, and the team's whole attitude changed.
"Should have been up to 300 [threes] this year. Save that for next year," Hield said. "Just a testament to me doing what I've been doing for the last seven years in the league," he added of his career high.
Hield buried the outside shot that gave him a career-high in the fourth quarter on Friday. There was 6:20 to go in the game, and he hit three triples in the final frame as the Pacers mounted a comeback. Indiana struggled Friday, but the 30-year old guard was solid.
He will have one more game to expand his career-best mark. The Pacers play against the New York Knicks on the road on Sunday to conclude their season.
"I bet you a dollar he gets one on Sunday," Carlisle joked of Hield's threes.
The seven-year veteran has a very specific routine, and his game day rituals are important. He touches the ball at every stoppage in the action, he jumps up and grabs the rim often, and his routine is critical. There are many things Hield does to keep himself engaged and threatening, and they all work.
"I love to shoot," Hield said Friday. That love led him to another career year, this time with the Pacers.
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