HOUSTON -- NRG Stadium murmured in recognition. It was really happening. It was like that.
Buddy Hield's first Final Four shot read as a statement of intent: opening possession, an isolation out top, a trademark step-back, a helpless defender, a deep bucket buried. In the first seconds of Saturday's Final Four, Hield was already 1-for-1 with three points. Another classic shooting performance from one of the greatest shotmakers in college hoops history -- having one of the most productive NCAA tournaments ever -- appeared to be well underway.
It was like that -- with a twist.