Why Buddy Hield is an X-factor as Warriors try to close out Rockets

HOUSTON – Buddy Hield is adept at smiling at – and shrugging off – what he calls “all the fun and clowning (expletive)” that has followed him during his first season with the Warriors.

The ninth-year guard who has not missed a game in two seasons has garnered national attention for his dribbling gaffes and his lighthearted faux feud with teammate Jimmy Butler.

“That’s the part of the game I don’t take too seriously,” Hield told the Bay Area News Group.. 

The ongoing playoff...