With 31 points, Wiggins’ elevated play continues
While most of the attention has been on Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors’ reserves in recent weeks, all Andrew Wiggins has done is continue to have effective nights at both ends of the court.
He entered Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers with back-to-back games in which he shot 50% or better from the floor. Wiggins then delivered his finest performance of the season, scoring a season-high 31 points on an efficient 12-for-18 shooting in the Warriors’ 124-107 win. Golden State improved to 9-10, 8-1 at Chase Center. “Every game is going to be different,” Wiggins said. “Steph is going to be Steph always. But tonight the ball was moving, found the right people, made some shots.”
Wiggins knocked down a season-high six 3-pointers (on 10 shots) for a second consecutive game, giving him a career-best 12 in back-to-back games, per ESPN Stats & Info.
He’s shooting 50.6% from the field and 43.4% from distance — both of which would be careers
highs for a season if they hold up. Wiggins’ scoring (19.1 points) rebounding (5.5) are also up compared to last season when he received his first All-Star nod. If he continues to sprinkle in explosive scoring nights like this, perhaps a second All-Star nod is in the cards for the 27-yearold wing.
“He’s shooting the lights out,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s just been so consistent from the field and from the 3-point line. He’s just gotten to a point where he’s really, really comfortable with his teammates and the way we play. And at the other end, he’s constantly taking the best backcourt player or wing player, so Wiggs has been fantastic.”
Thompson stays solid: Thompson’s resurgence in scoring efficiency continued against the Clippers, as he scored 15 points on 4for-5 shooting in his first 11 minutes of action.
Thompson scored 20 points on 50% shooting against the Knicks on Friday and followed with a season-high 41-point performance on 61% shooting Sunday in Houston — a game in which he knocked down 10 of 13 3-point attempts. Wednesday he finished with 18 points on 50% shooting in 27 minutes.
Thompson didn’t find an early rhythm in his traditional way against the Clippers. Instead of jacking up 3s, he was cutting to the rim and drawing fouls, which led to scoring opportunities at the free throw line. Thompson made 5 of 6 first-quarter free throws — the most free throws he has attempted in any first quarter this season.
“I can’t remember the last time Klay took six free throws in the first quarter,” Kerr said. “That always helps a shooter get into a rhythm and helps our defense get set up in the half court.”
Thompson’s three 3point attempts in the first
quarter were all in rhythm (he made two). He did have three turnovers in the opening period, with a few coming off over penetration and other off an illtimed pocket pass.
After a sizzling start, Thompson cooled to shoot 1-for-5 the rest of the way. But none of his misses left the impression that he was pressing; he now has scored 79 points over his past 12 quarters.
“I think (our assist) numbers just skyrocket the more patient Klay is because the game, the whole world just opens up,” said Kerr, whose team had 36 Wednesday. “Klay is such a powerful force because of how much attention he draws. I think it’s no coincidence that we’ve had these high-assist games since Klay really settled down.” Non-Curry minutes: Draymond green started the second quarter with Curry off the court, just like he did in the fourth quarter against Houston. He was joined on the court by Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Lamb. Perhaps Kerr is on to something with the group.
“It looks good, and we’ll continue to do it,” Kerr said.
Golden State entered the second quarter with a 32-29 lead. Led by Green and Wiggins, that group looked solid defensively as they frustrated the Clippers at times with a mix of man-toman and zone looks.
Green was also a big reason why Wiggins was able to get going offensively. He found Wiggins cutting backdoor for an easy layup, then again shortly after, hitting him in stride for a 3pointer near the top of the key.
The Warriors were able to extend their lead 10 by the time Thompson checked back in for Wiggins with 7:26 left in the second quarter.
When Curry and Kevon Looney returned with 5:33 to go until halftime, Golden State was up 46-39.
Once Kerr had his full lineup of starters back on the court, the Warriors outscored the Clippers 15-4 down the stretch to take a 66-47 lead at the half. Los Angeles never truly recovered.
The Warriors’ 20 firsthalf assists were the most they’ve had in any half this season and Green was responsible for seven of them.
He finished with nine points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. Curry finished with 22 points, six rebounds and nine assists.
“I think for me it’s just trying to slow that (second) unit down, number one,” Green said. “And then, number two and most importantly, is make sure that unit is defending. Because as the second unit your job isn’t to go out there and build the lead.
“Your job is to maintain the lead. Just trying to help that unit play as much mistake-free basketball as we possibly can.”