Dub Hub: Buddy Hield says he ‘never loses confidence’ after 27-point game vs. Timberwolves

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Monday, December 9th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Buddy Hield breaks slump with 27-point game vs. Timberwolves on Sunday night, says he “never loses confidence” in his shot.
• Steve Kerr praises Gary Payton II’s ‘brilliant’ defense on Anthony Edwards during the Warriors 114-106 win over the Timberwolves.
• Spurs’ Chris Paul moves to second on the NBA’s all-time assists list, passing Hall-of-Famer Jason Kidd.

The Golden State Warriors found a much-needed offensive spark on Sunday night, courtesy of Buddy Hield. Breaking out of a scoring slump, Hield poured in 27 points to help lead the Warriors to a 114-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. His performance included a stellar 10-of-18 shooting effort, highlighted by 7-of-13 from beyond the arc—one of them being the dagger that put the game out of reach with under a minute remaining.

Hield’s recent struggles had been evident, with his once-hot shooting cooling off over the past few weeks. Yet, the sharpshooter remained confident in his abilities, telling reporters after the game that he “never loses confidence” because of all the work he pours into his game.

Steph Curry, who contributed a team-high 30 points of his own, also praised Hield’s work ethic, emphasizing the dedication required to excel as an elite shooter in the NBA.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Monday, December 9th:

Warriors News:

Buddy system: Warriors’ new starting lineup works as Hield takes down Timberwolves | The Athletic

“We just felt like we’ve gotta get Buddy going,” Kerr said.

Kerr started Hield and kept him out there for a season-high 35 minutes on Sunday. He scored 27 points and hit seven 3s, including the dagger from the corner to put the Warriors up six with 57 seconds left.

“Steve did a good job of just letting me stay out there and letting me figure it out,” Hield said. “Sometimes, you need to get settled in. If you know what I’m talking about as a basketball player, you sometimes get locked in and you’re just running around all the time and you don’t feel comfortable.”

Draymond Green, Steph Curry support Jonathan Kuminga’s leap to starter | The Athletic

Steve Kerr counseled with Steph Curry and called Green before giving the ultimate green light. But it was Kerr’s choice, and his rationale was layered. He wants to create an environment to “maximize” Kuminga and let Green “organize” the second unit while also ensuring Green doesn’t “wear down.”

Like last season, Kerr could start Kuminga at power forward and Green at center in a small-ball look, but Kerr said the Warriors don’t want to force Green to guard centers to open every game. Kevon Looney will handle the bruising opening shift at center each half.

GP2 guides Warriors to victory by stifling Edwards in crunch time | NBC Sports Bay Area

The decision to start GP2 began with a suggestion made by Pabail Sidhu, the team’s analytics and innovation guru. In addition to the typically strong numbers when Payton and Curry are sharing the court, there also was, well, that Edwards guy.

Asked about the key to the fourth quarter that devastated the Timberwolves, Kerr didn’t hesitate.

“Gary. Also, the help behind him,” he said. “Draymond and JK both made some good plays at the rim. Draymond’s help allows Gary to maintain that pressure on Edwards and trust that he’s got help behind him. Gary was just brilliant tonight.”

Draymond Green hits the ‘Night, Night’ celebration after game-sealing dunk vs. Timberwolves

Steph Curry reacts to Draymond Green’s ‘Night, Night’ celebration: “We needed that moment”

NBA News:

Brandon Ingram’s injury forces Pelicans to face big questions immediately | The Athletic

At the top of that list will be Ingram’s future in New Orleans and how the failures of this season will impact the team’s decisions moving forward. Ingram is set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer, and the team has made it clear that giving Ingram the lucrative extension he’s been seeking won’t work financially with the current core that New Orleans has in place.

The Pelicans have explored the idea of trading Ingram since last summer. Should they be more urgent in their attempts to move him instead of facing the possibility of allowing him to walk for nothing? Are there any teams that would give anything of value up for Ingram, knowing how much it’ll cost to keep him on his next contract?

Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic puts up dominant numbers in recent back-to-back

Spurs’ Chris Paul passes Jason Kidd for second on the all-time assists list

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

The Warriors are not trading for LeBron James

But the biggest reason not to believe in a potential LeBron trade to the Warriors is that James was an unrestricted free agent this summer and never considered another team. Yes, the salary cap/luxury tax situations for both teams would have made that signing complicated, which would also make a trade difficult, but this is the NBA. If someone like LeBron James wants to change teams, the front offices can figure it out.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.