What is Andrew Wiggins is paradoxical. This Sunday, on the occasion of Game 3 of the Western Conference final between Warriors and Mavericks, the 1st choice of the 2014 Draft relieved his partners of many efforts. When he puts on this costume of role player – and that he refuses to embody his pale version, the one who does not make waves – his contribution is not negligible.
A Game 3 conference final at 27 points, to prevent the opponent from believing in his return. Isn’t this, finally, all that one can / should expect from a titular All-Star? When the Warriors miss each other, Andrew Wiggins – due to his nonchalance – is often singled out. He never loses eight balls, but misses his meeting in a much more subtle way, disappearing like the fathers of families who have gone to buy cigarettes. His stats then give something like 7 points at 3/7 shooting, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Quite the opposite of this Game 3 against Dallas. Like this huge poster where Luka Doncic became his dragoturkey, Andrew Wiggins performed in style. He and Stephen Curry – 31 points at 10/20 shooting including 5/10 from the parking lot, 5 rebounds and 11 assists – were the men of the game. At least, considering Luka Doncic’s 40 points and 11 rebounds tarnished by the Mavericks’ loss. That is not the subject. It was for Andrew Wiggins that our ink rose early. Since leaving Wolves in 2020, the term of « bust » which was stuck to his skin, only very rarely returns. We’re talking about a winger who has become an expert in rebounding, capable of offsetting the exit of Kevon Looney, against bigger, beefier interiors.
ANDREW !
WIGGINS !!!???????????? pic.twitter.com/3zw1JlyV3E
— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) May 23, 2022
He is 27 years old and is finally starting – from a collective point of view – his career. Stuck in the Minnesota boat for six years, Andrew Wiggins is now a fixture in Steve Kerr’s system. It is not doing him any honor to say this. Because of his contribution to the game, first, but also thanks to his fabulous integration alongside a Big Three who have been in place for a very long time. He did not arrive saying to himself: “I can score 30 points every night, it’s not Minnesota anymore”. The former Kansas University has worked in areas that could benefit the Warriors, as evidenced by his 32 rebounds over the last four games. He is not afraid to go to war in painting, even if it means eating two or three blocks bigger than him. Facing Dallas, the situation is suitable for him. There is no real post 5 capable of denying him access to the circle. In this kind of confrontation where the paint of the adversary is permeable, Andrew Wiggins represents a triple threat for his vis-à-vis. He can draw, drive and finish at high altitude, but also bring the ball out for an open mate. Agile, athletic, skilful: this technical versatility makes him a true Warriors.
He is not the one who two years ago would have been sold as the Warriors’ X factor in the Playoffs. But it is clear that as the NBA Finals approach, Andrew Wiggins is raising his voice. Him, in MVP of the Finals, would that shock you? We neither.