Golden State Warriors’ star benched in closing minutes amid poor form

It’s been a tough return for Golden State Warriors’ star Andrew Wiggins post-injury, but his form hit a new low in the reigning champions’ disappointing 120-116 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday at Chase Center.

Last year’s All-Star played nearly 27 minutes in the contest, yet after subbing out at the 8:33 mark of the final period, Wiggins wasn’t seen again in the critical moments down the stretch.

Head coach Steve Kerr preferred Kevon Looney and Jonathan Kuminga over Andrew Wiggins in the Golden State Warriors’ closing units against the Brooklyn Nets.

Wiggins had four points, two rebounds and one assist for the game, continuing a down shooting stretch by going just 2-for-9 from the field and 0-for-3 from three-point range. He and Klay Thompson combined to shoot 6-for-26 for the game, with the duo unable to take advantage of mismatches on smaller Brooklyn guards.

To be fair to Wiggins, it wasn’t just his lack of production that had him stapled to the bench during the final period. Jonathan Kuminga was spectacular and demanded to be on the floor down the stretch, forming a five-man group alongside the quartet of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole and Draymond Green.

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Kuminga had 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting, finishing the game with a +13 plus-minus in the four-point loss. Given the contrasting display from both players, it wasn’t surprising that Kerr went to Kuminga over Wiggins. What is surprising is the fact the 27-year-old’s form led Kerr to that position, and it prompts the discussion of whether it could become a regular occurence over the next month.

Regardless of whether there’s still an injury issue, or if it’s just a conditioning matter, Wiggins has been clearly troubled in seven games since returning. He’s averaging just 12.5 points in 30.5 minutes during this period, posting deplorable shooting percentages of 34.1% from the field, 21.6% from three-point range, and 50% from the free-throw line.

There’s evidently a lack of lift and bounce in his game — his jumpshots are flat, the little jump hooks over smaller defenders are left short, and the defense isn’t quite as rambunctious. He’s not the usual eye-popping athlete right now, and without it he becomes a very average player.

One thing is for certain, Golden State won’t be doing anything substantial this season without Wiggins back towards his All-Star level form. With the Warriors still battling at 23-24, the Canadian needs to turn it around sooner rather than later.