Wiggins’ encouraging opening night effort fueled by Kerr’s conviction originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
THE Andrew Wiggins formerly ” was on full display during the Warriors’ season-opening victory Wednesday night in Portland.
Wiggins, starting at shooting guard next to Steph Curry, finished with 20 points on 8 out of 15 shots of the land in the Historic victory for the Warriors 139-104 on the Trail Blazers at the Moda Center.
The 29-year-old coach credited Steve Kerr after the victory while chatting with Bonta Hill, Chris Mullin and Festus Ezeli on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Warriors Postgame Live.”
“When your head coach believes in you and gives you the confidence to let the ball fly, play without pressure, it feels good,” Wiggins said. “It feels good. And I’ve been working on it a lot this summer, just trying to get back to what I know I can do.”
Wiggins has struggled throughout the 2023-24 season, averaging a career-low 13.2 points per game in 71 games.
But with Klay Thompson no longer on the roster, Wiggins will be counted on to take over as the Warriors look to return to the NBA playoffs.
“Wiggs was great,” Kerr told reporters after the game. “And that’s kind of what we’re expecting this year, honestly. Peace of mind. Great form. At the peak of his career. I think Wiggs is poised to have a great season.”
Wiggins, who missed time during training camp and didn’t play in the first preseason games, finished 4 of 7 on 3-pointers in the win, and that number of attempts is right where Kerr wants him to be .
“I think I said six or seven three a few weeks ago,” Kerr said. “He shot seven tonight. But he attacked the rim. He made some layups in transition. That’s what we like about Wiggs, is his ability to score from different spots on the court.”
“That’s what we like about Wiggins is his ability to score from different spots on the floor.”
Kerr comments on Wiggs’ versatility as a goalscorer pic.twitter.com/PvcB6zpch9
– Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 24, 2024
The Warriors weren’t sure which version of Wiggins they would have to start the season, but when the 2024-25 season opens, they have what they need.
