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Kendra AndrewsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO Andrew Wiggins His entire career has been waiting for the right moment to shine on NBA Finals’ stage.
He was an eight-year veteran and hadn’t had the chance to do so. He’s now taking advantage of the opportunity that is available to him.
Wiggins led Warriors towards their 104-94 victory Over the Boston Celtics Monday night’s Game 5 ended with 26 points, 12-of-23 shooting, 13 boards, two steals and two assists. Golden State led 3-2.
“We knew we needed him for his athleticism, his defense, and his versatility. Steve Kerr, Warriors coach said they had no idea he would make this type of contribution. It is a reminder that everything in life, even for the most elite players of the NBA, is affected by circumstances. It’s important to find the right place and the right teammates. Wiggs was a great fit.
Since the Warriors’ Game 4 win at Boston, the discussion surrounding the team has largely revolved around how Golden State should support superstars. Stephen Curry.
A night when Curry scored just 16 points and failed to hit a single 3-pointerWiggins provided relief.
His 26 points is the second-highest he has ever scored this postseason. His postseason record for paint points was 20. Wiggins is now the leader of the Warriors’ rebounding and scoring all season (playoffs) and the first time that he has recorded back-toback double-doubles.
“It’s one of the most important keys to success in this league. Andrew’s tonight’s win was a great example. We don’t get excited more than when Wiggs dunks over someone.” Klay Thompson said. “And this really uplifts all of us and the Bay Area.”
According to Draymond GreenThe trust in Wiggins to be there in those moments when the team needs spark has been growing since Wiggins arrived almost two years ago. This was in a deal that stemmed from the departures of Kevin Durant.
Green stated, “Many people looked at that trade as if that was another piece they could move.” “We saw the trade as a man who could fit next to a healthy group absolutely perfectly. We did so from the beginning. He has continued to demonstrate that. He has never stopped improving. He has accepted every challenge that was thrown at him. That’s huge. He must do that to win one more.
For Wiggins, it’s easy to fit into Golden State.
He said, “I feel like I’m here, it is a winning culture.” “They have won before, they have dominated NBA. They put me in a position to succeed when I arrived. They bring out the best of you. They only want the best for your success. They are supportive, you know.
Throughout the season, Wiggins’ relationship with the Warriors was a constant topic of discussion. His role as a Warriors player isn’t always to be the No. His rise to prominence has been due to his ability as a scoring option and a player who can handle top defensive duties.
There are times when he isn’t afraid to take on an aggressive scoring role, such as Monday.
Wiggins’ impact was not limited to his scoring. Wiggins, once again taking on Golden State’s best scorer, also led the Warriors’ defensive efforts and held Boston to 7 of 16 shooting.
Kerr stated, “Defense is the key to our success.” Kerr also named Green, along with Wiggins. Gary Payton II as the key figures on the other end of that floor.
Green was the first player to foul out in a Finals game since 2000. However, he held the Celtics to 1-of-10 shooting while he was the contesting defense. Jaylen Brown Green scored 1-6
Kerr stated, “That’s the guy I’ve watched for eight years.” “He’s always all over the place defensively. He distributes the ball. He is bringing that same intensity, competitiveness and energy. Draymond was brilliant, I thought.”
Green not only scored eight points for his defense but also demonstrated a balance between being assertive and demonstrative without becoming distracting. Green has struggled to find this balance in this series.
Curry stated, “In a series like this where things aren’t as smooth or you have some rough spots, he finds a method to respond with energy, approach, and toughness that you can see him at all times.” We need that determination. Without him playing at such an elite level throughout the year, the first three series, we wouldn’t be in the Finals.”
The Warriors have focused their efforts on being a defense-first group throughout the season. It’s not easy to do this because they boast two of the best and most deadly shooters in the NBA. However, the Warriors strongly believe their defense is what leads to their offense.
They point to Wiggins players as an example.
Curry stated that Curry has accepted the challenge of consistency and what he can do on both ends of court. “The fact that he can do what he wants to because of how we play and because we embrace him from day one…. The bottom line is that he just loves playing basketball. That’s what matters most.”