San Francisco, CA – We've all heard the saying offense wins games, and defense wins championships. Well in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the Golden State Warriors did both. They held the Dallas Mavericks to 87 points on Wednesday night, and if there is such a thing as shutting down All-Star Luka Doncic, Dubs All-Star Andrew Wiggins did it.
After the Warriors finished pouncing on the Mavs, Wiggins revealed what his mindset was when defending the talented Doncic. His explanation was plain and simple.
“Make it tough for him,” Wiggins told ClutchPoints. “He's a good player, so he's going to make shots. He's going to do his thing, but just stay on him and make it tough.”
Andrew Wiggins on his mindset when guarding Luka Doncic:
“Make it tough for him. He's a good player, so he's going to make shots. He's going to do his thing, but just stay on him and make it tough.”
— Mark Haynes (@markhaynesnba) May 19, 2022
At times Wiggins guarded Doncic 94 feet, and then it was moments when the Warriors played zone or pressured him soon as he reached halfcourt. The Warrior star wasn't sure if he frustrated the Mavs guard or not, but he got the results they needed.
*Click here to hear more about Game 1 on the Warriors’ Multiverse podcast*
Wiggins’ creative defense resulted in Doncic shooting 6-of-18 from the field, with 20 points, and 4 assists. The Dallas star had 7 turnovers and looked incapable of
The Warriors won the game 112-87. Wiggins was the player responsible for cutting the head off the snake. The Mavs go as Doncic does, and if you slow him down, everyone else will follow.
It was an easy road to victory in Game 1, but Wiggins and the Warriors are expecting a better fight from the Mavs in their next meeting. That game will take place Friday at the Chase Center.
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