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The Golden State Warriors got off to a resounding start to the Western Conference Finals, registering a 112-87 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. While their vaunted Big 3 was up to their usual tactics, one unsung hero on the night was Andrew Wiggins.
Klay Thompson was vocal on him after the game. Wiggins, who became an All-Star for the first time this season, has come into his own as a productive two-way force on a championship-contending team. According to Thompson, he's reaching the potential that he has flashed for ages on the biggest stage for Golden State, particularly with his defense on Mavs star Luka Doncic.
Via Anthony Slater of The Athletic:
“That’s why he was the No. 1 pick,” Klay Thompson said. “You can’t teach that athleticism. You can’t teach that length. You can’t teach his timing. I’m just happy the world is getting to see who he really is. That’s an incredible wing player. He will be like this for the next 10 years.”
Doncic had arguably the worst postseason game of his career in Game 1. While Golden State threw a handful of different coverages at him, it was mostly Wiggins face-guarding Luka throughout the night.
Andrew Wiggins poured in 19 points on an efficient 8-for-17 from the field to go along with five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. He also led the Warriors with a team-high +28 in the box score, largely because of his defense on Doncic.
The difference with Wiggins in Golden State? Klay Thompson had a simple explanation:
“I think him being here, he’s allowed to be himself,” said Thompson.
After long being the subject of scrutiny with the spotlight on him as a No. 1 overall pick with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the spotlight has slowly dimmed on him as a peripheral character in Golden State. After a breakout season, it appears that's exactly what he needed.
