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Buddy Hield is going viral for hitting maybe the fastest basket in the history of the NBA. The Indiana guard wasted absolutely no time in getting the action started in a matchup versus the Cavs.
Hield opened the scoring in mere seconds by hitting a quick three. Fans are now wondering if it’s the fastest first bucket ever.
In the Pacers vs. Cavaliers contest, Hield was able to catch the opening tip and he immediately threw up a triple. The ball swished through the net with just three seconds coming off the clock. Take a look.
this has to be a recordhttps://t.co/iDyRYFnahv pic.twitter.com/F3nws9K6f9
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) December 30, 2022
The basket has now struck up a debate on social media as fans decipher if the feat is a new NBA record. Basketball followers have been posting their reactions online.
One person wrote, “Buddy Hield drops a 3 right off opening tip. Got to be the fastest 3 in NBA history.” Another said, “Tip, catch, turn, and shoot. Buddy Hield with the quickest basket in NBA history?”
According to ESPN Stats and Info, the shot is the fastest since play-by-play stats have been recorded (’96-’97). Interestingly enough, Hield beat out another Pacer for the top mark as the previous record holder was Indiana legend Reggie Miller, who launched a quick shot back in March of 2000.
Hield and the Pacers are battling for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race as they currently sit at 18-17 on the season. That’s good enough for third place in the Central Division standings and eighth in the Eastern Conference. If the season were to end today, Indiana would find itself in a play-in situation.
The Pacers are fighting for the postseason. Buddy Hield’s certainly doing his part to jumpstart the Indiana offense.
Related: Buddy Hield takes a hilarious jab at James Harden’s three-point jump shot