NBA
The Warriors are getting a big boost ahead of the playoffs
The Warriors power forward was absent for two months due to family problems, but he will play at the start of the playoffs against the Sacramento Kings.
It’s been a while, but he’s here. After two months away, Andrew Wiggins is once again available to play basketball. This was announced by the Golden State Warriors, who gave the green light to play in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series they play against the Sacramento Kings.
Questioned by this upbeat news, Steve Kerr points out that his player is ready, but he also makes it clear that, at the moment, he cannot anticipate the role he will have in the team. Coach Kerr added that Wiggins has been training individually and will initially play 20-25 minutes and start from the bench.
“I think it sort of depends on how he feels tomorrow and going into Saturday,” Kerr said. “On the one hand, Wiggs is one of those guys who just doesn’t seem to fall out of shape or get tired. He’s just a naturally gifted athlete. On the other hand, he hasn’t played in 10 weeks. So maybe the game will dictate it. We’ll just have to play it by ear.”
Wiggins - a vital part of the puzzle
This season, Wiggins averaged 17.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.3 assist in 37 games, and last season he was an important part of the Warriors’ championship campaign.
Without playing since February 13 due to a family matter that has been kept private, Wiggins has missed the last 25 games of the regular season. He racked up several training sessions with the team, but it’s anyone’s guess how he’ll be when he steps onto the field just in time for the playoffs.
Despite the general belief that Andrew Wiggins’ return will primarily impact the team’s defense and rebounding, the statistics tell a different story, especially when playing against the Kings. Wiggins has consistently performed against his Californian neighbors, showcasing his prime skills.
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Wiggins has averaged an impressive 25 points per game in these matchups, making him the second-highest scorer on the team. He has also maintained an impressive shooting percentage of 55.6% from the field, including 39.1% from beyond the arc, and has contributed with 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. Wiggins’ performance against the Kings goes beyond defense and rebounding, significantly impacting the team’s offensive output.