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Mark Cuban believes Andrew Wiggins was X-factor in Warriors-Mavs series

By Nathan Beighle

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 28: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 28, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 28: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 28, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors coasted through the Denver Nuggets in the first round. They were met with a grittier-than-expected series against the Grizzlies then put it back on cruise for the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.

One consistent contributor through all that was first-time All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins. While it wasn’t his highest-scoring season, most would agree that the 2021-2022 year was the best of the former No. 1 overall pick’s career.

The Golden State Warriors ran through the Western Conference, and Mavs owner Mark Cuban thinks Andrew Wiggins was a key factor in their success.

Wiggins was a key factor in the Warriors’ playoff run, averaging 16.5 points per game, down from the 17.2 he averaged during the regular season.

Wiggins scoring decreased the past two seasons, but the more important part of his game, his efficiency, improved. Wiggins played a vital part in defending the Boston Celtics. The star forward shot 47% from the field during the regular season.

His length was key. Against the Mavs, Wiggins averaged 18.6 points per game and shot 46% from the field. His three-point shooting could’ve used some help as he was hitting under 30% from deep during the series.

Wiggins proved to be more than a pure scorer, and he turned into a true all-around threat. That’s what set him apart, and Mavs’ owner Mark Cuban knows his importance.

That’s high praise from the Mavs owner, and Wiggins, per Cuban, heard him sing that praise following the series as well. The Warriors took down Dallas in five quick games, so it wasn’t much of a series, especially with Doncic seemingly defeated prior to the season actually ending.

However, he’s absolutely correct. Wiggins played a vital role, and his type of player could’ve been huge for Dallas as they struggle immensely with playmaking outside of superstar guard Luka Doncic.

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Wiggins is locked up for this season, and the Warriors are set to run it back. While they may look to keep him for the long-term future, Wiggins has certainly impressed during his 2.5-year stint in Golden State.

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