The Golden State Warriors did more than just defeat the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. In addition to taking the series lead over the Mavs, they forced Luka Doncic into one of his worst performances in the NBA playoffs.
Andrew Wiggins, in addition to scoring 19 points on 8-17 shooting, took the assignment to guard Doncic. According to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo! Sports, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that the key to slowing down the Mavs' All-Star was to make him work on offense and stick with him. Wiggins did just that, propelling a Warriors victory.
“I think it’s very important to try to make him work,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Any great player in the league, you’re just trying to limit the damage they do. I think Wiggs picking him up, trying to make him exert some energy was definitely helpful.”
Although it took the whole team to slow down Doncic, Wiggins played the leading part. The Warriors used other defensive tactics like switches and zone defense but Wiggins, more than any other player, matched up with the Mavs' superstar. He forced him into three turnovers while allowing just four field goals on 10 attempts.
In Game 2 on Friday, the Warriors will look to slow Doncic down again. It will be a very tough task to stop one of the best performers in the NBA playoffs but they now have a blueprint for it. Wiggins will have to continue his stingy defense in order to help Golden State return to the NBA Finals.
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