Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

3 winners and 1 loser from Golden State Warriors third preseason victory

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 02: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the Warriors' media day on October 02, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 02: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the Warriors' media day on October 02, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 12, 2023. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 12, 2023. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

2. Andrew Wiggins

With the playmaking of Stephen Curry and Chris Paul on the sidelines, the Warriors needed to find offense from a different avenue. In Wiggins they have a safety valve — someone who’s shot-creation qualities aren’t always fully utilised but can be dived into more in situations like this.

Wiggins began with a catch-and-shoot three from a Brandin Podziemski dime, but the remainder of his buckets were largely off the dribble and from his own creation. The 28-year-old finished with 20 points in 22 minutes on an efficient 6-11 shooting.

After an interrupted 2022-23 season where he missed 45 regular season games, Wiggins failed to find his groove with just 15 total points on 6-17 shooting across the first two games against the Lakers.

Sunday was a return closer to his All-Star level best, reminding everyone of the scoring talents that once made him a first overall pick. Wiggins was particularly important in the second-quarter, with his 10 points in the period giving Golden State life after entering it with a 13-point deficit.

Wiggins and Kuminga are so pivotal to the Warriors given their size and athleticism on the wing, and it was on full display against the Kings as they combined for 48 points amid 24 free-throw attempts. If Golden State can get strong and consistent production from the duo, then they become a completely different proposition as a team this season.

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