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Andrew Wiggins’ aggression key to unlocking Golden State Warriors improvement

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards in the first quarter at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 in San Francisco, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards in the first quarter at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 in San Francisco, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Despite coming into the game questionable with an ankle injury, Andrew Wiggins produced his best game in months during the Golden State Warriors’ 135-126 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night.

The 27-year-old had a team-high 29 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists, proving pivotal to the Warriors overcoming a 15-point first-half deficit to record an important win in the high-scoring affair.

The Golden State Warriors will need continued aggression from Andrew Wiggins post All-Star break, particularly with Stephen Curry absent.

Monday’s game has proven to be Wiggins’ last before the All-Star break, with the Canadian ruled out of Tuesday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers due to personal reasons. Still, it’s a confidence booster the team hopes Wiggins will take with him ahead of the final portion of the season.

It wasn’t just the points Wiggins scored, it was the way he went about it. His 22 field-goal attempts were the most he’s had in a game since May 11 2021 — nearly two seasons ago. He went 17-for-24 that night in a 38-point outing against the Phoenix Suns.

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Wiggins has perfected a more three-and-D role since arriving at Golden State in early 2020. But the fact is that he’s much more than that, and an aggressive Wiggins takes advantage of his physical attributes and natural shot-creating ability.

The Warriors don’t need or even want Wiggins in isolation too much, but when he has it going, and particularly when Stephen Curry is out, it’s something they can delve into more often. Steve Kerr has gained some criticism for his coaching this season, especially in late-game situations, but he should get credit for identifying and utilizing Wiggins’ in a more concerted way on Monday.

They got him posting up on mismatches regularly, isolating him on one side of the floor to take advantage. From there Wiggins has a bevy of post moves in his tool kit, and while he’s not a noted playmaker, he’s improved enough as an instinctive passer to find an open man when doubled.

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Wiggins is averaging 17.1 points on the season, but Monday was just his fourth game of 17 or more points in 15 games since returning from injury on January 7. While he won’t be taking 20+ field-goal attempts on a regular basis, an aggressive Wiggins is paramount to Golden State making any noise come playoff time.

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