The Golden State Warriors, once an indomitable force in the NBA, face a challenging phase in the 2023-24 season. Amidst fluctuating performances and a starting lineup struggling to find its rhythm, the Warriors’ championship core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, despite their past decade of dominance, are now confronted with a different battle. This season’s twist hinges on Andrew Wiggins, whose role has become more critical than ever.
Wiggins’ Critical Role Amidst Thompson’s Inconsistency
Klay Thompson’s erratic form has shifted the spotlight to Andrew Wiggins, necessitating him to emerge as the second scoring option behind Curry. NBA journalist Mark Medina highlights this necessity, stating, “Klay hasn’t been able to fill that void consistently or reliably enough. Andrew Wiggins also has to step up because that’s partly why they brought him in to begin with.”
Golden State’s Offensive and Defensive Woes
The Warriors, with a team net rating of just 0.1, are a far cry from their former glory. Their offensive and defensive ratings rank 16th and 17th in the league, respectively, with the starting lineup showing a particularly concerning performance. The acquisition of Chris Paul was supposed to bolster the team, but even his elite playmaking skills have not been enough to uplift the entire lineup.
Thompson and Wiggins: The Struggling Duo
While Curry continues to shine, Thompson and Wiggins’ inability to consistently contribute has been a significant concern. Thompson’s scoring average has dropped to his lowest since his rookie year, and Wiggins’ stats, particularly his 3-point shooting, are alarmingly below par. Medina compares Wiggins’ current struggle to his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, emphasizing the unmet expectations despite his evident potential.
Wiggins’ Declining Stats: A Concern for Warriors
Wiggins’ decline is evident in his reduced minutes and lowered stats across the board. His 3-point percentage has plummeted to a career-low, and his overall field goal percentage is the second-lowest in his career. His offensive and defensive ratings are worrying signs for the team, reflecting his struggle to maintain form.
Steph and Brandin’s new pregame routine 🏀 pic.twitter.com/UFgRjFBf1K
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 7, 2023
The Road Ahead for the Warriors
The Warriors’ path forward in the Western Conference is fraught with challenges. Thompson and Wiggins, in particular, need to rediscover their form. Failure to do so could jeopardize the team’s position in the play-in tournament, a scenario that seemed improbable after their off-season moves.
As the Warriors navigate this crucial phase, the pressure mounts on Wiggins to step up and complement Curry’s efforts. Only time will tell if this once-dominant team can reclaim their position at the pinnacle of the NBA.
(Statistics courtesy of Statmuse, ESPN, NBA.com, and Basketball Reference.)
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