The mental game often can weigh on an athlete's performance. But what if it has to do with a headband?
Kings guard Buddy Hield missed his first six 3-point attempts during Wednesday's 107-99 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. His initial reaction was this ...
"F--- the headband. No more headband. F--- that s---. I'll burn that s--- up next time I see one." -Buddy Hield after missing his first six 3-pointers while wearing a headband
— James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) November 13, 2019
Later, after he lost the headband and drilled 2 of his next 5 threes, he admitted to NBC Sports California's Kayte Christensen-Hunter that it was more of a mental issue.
Talked with Buddy Hield tonight in the locker room and he told me his 1st quarter was nothing but a mental issue. Asked him about his right middle finger he gas taped. Told me he sprained it in practice in Toronto and just keeps reactivating it.
— Kayte Christensen-Hunter (@kayte_c) November 13, 2019
Hield then said it still wasn't an excuse.
Buddy also told me the finger is no excuse. Just part of the game. Says it went numb on him. Just have to play through it. https://t.co/OOpFLybNje
— Kayte Christensen-Hunter (@kayte_c) November 13, 2019
Nonetheless, Hield managed to get 20 points by the end of the game. Don't be surprised if you see him without a headband for a while ... or ever.