It has been a long time since fans got to see Andrew Wiggins back out on the court. Of course, with the wait time being as long as it was (about 2 months), the NBA community was always going to be excited for his first game back. And of course, the fact that his return happened during an electric playoff game against the Kings certainly didn’t help reduce the hype.
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However, despite not having played an NBA game for a very long time, Wiggins played splendidly, recording 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 blocks in just 28 minutes of play. Further, the man shot an efficient 7 of 16 from the floor overall (43.8%).
Not a bad way to return to the fold whatsoever, we’d say. But, what did Andrew Wiggins’s fellow teammate and coach think of his return? Did he satisfy even their high standards? Or was there something left to be desired from his display for them?
Stephen Curry on Andrew Wiggins
Considering that Stephen Curry has been doing just about all the heavy lifting for the Warriors, you’d think that any help with the load would be appreciated. And sure enough, the 2-time MVP was more than happy to have his best co-star from the 2022 NBA playoffs back. Here is what he said on the matter.
“The one thing you do have is the experience of knowing what that atmosphere is… You can go into the memory of it on what to expect and build confidence.”
“The one thing you do have is the experience of knowing what that atmosphere is… You can go into the memory of it on what to expect and build confidence.”
Steph Curry on returning from a long absence and jump right into Playoffs like Andrew Wiggins.pic.twitter.com/87FWwfZETF
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 16, 2023
All in all, it almost seems like Stephen Curry expected this performance from his co-star. Yes, that may be a bit harsh. However, to hear that kind of attitude from your leader is bound to have some sort of a positive effect on the man.
But, who else reacted to the man, and how did they react to his sparkling performance against the Kings?
Klay Thompson
When it comes to long absences from the NBA, nobody knows how difficult it can be more than Klay Thompson. So, when he was asked about Wiggins’s, all he could do, was spare some very emotional words on the matter.
Klay is proud of the way Wiggs played tonight pic.twitter.com/IqlysFBr13
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 16, 2023
“I’m so proud of (Andrew Wiggins) Wiggs… I’m so grateful he’s back.”
Grateful indeed. Having their best 2-way wing on the floor can make a world of a difference. And with him, it’s hard to imagine the team doesn’t return to its best once again.
Steve Kerr
The head coach of the Golden State Warriors has had to manage everything without his best 2-way player. So of course, the man couldn’t have been happier about having him back. Take a look below to see his reaction.
Steve Kerr loved what he saw from Wiggs tonight pic.twitter.com/shEAU7pbiz
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 16, 2023
“We’re whole with him out there. [Warriors] makes sense with [Andrew Wiggins] back… He was fantastic, it was wonderful to have him back.”
And now, the only one left here is Draymond Green. So, let’s take a look at his reaction as well.
Draymond Green
Draymond discusses Wiggs’ impact tonight and how important he is moving forward pic.twitter.com/smZgFpbitJ
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 16, 2023
Emotional reactions all around. And frankly, we couldn’t be happier for the player either. Now, all there is to pray for is his good health so that he can continue playing the sport he loves so much.