Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins punctuates renaissance with one breathtaking moment

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

It’s funny where an NBA career can take you. Still, few would have scarcely believed Andrew Wiggins would be here, doing this on the stage of the Western Conference Finals for the Golden State Warriors.

In the midst of an already impressive game, Wiggins punctuated his career renaissance with a vicious one hand slam on Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. It was arguably the highlight of his NBA career following being the top-overall pick in 2014.

The Golden State Warriors won Game 3, and it was defined by one breathtaking moment from star forward Andrew Wiggins.

The referees may have hindered the moment by calling an offensive foul before being overturned on replay, but make no mistake, this was Wiggins’ career-defining moment to date.

Andrew Wiggins’ ferocious slam on Luka Doncic was just a small, yet incredibly loud part of his best NBA game to date, helping lead the Golden State Warriors to a 109-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks in game three.

That moment was just a series of monumental plays from Wiggins across the course of Game 3, scoring a playoff career-high 27 points along with 11 rebounds.

To think, this is a player whose often been compared simply with his draft position and contract. A player who, even after being named as an All-Star starter this season, had his value questioned by many. He is a player who’s often cast into any hypothetical Warriors trades (including by me).

Wiggins’ value is now undeniable – his +66 plus-minus is easily the most of any player in these Western Conference Finals. Warrior fans may have recognised his career renaissance some time ago, but now at this stage, even his fiercest critics have come around.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was full of praise for the 27 year-old small forward, who had come into game three under a slight injury cloud.

"“You don’t win in the playoffs without guys like Wiggs…it’s been a brilliant year for him and it’s continued in the postseason”."

There’s still more to come – Golden State will be hoping Wiggins career best game is short lived, that it’s eclipsed by something even more substantial in what appears set for an NBA Finals berth.

The Warriors will hope to close out the series in Game 4 on Tuesday.