CHICAGO (AP) — Andrew Wiggins showcased his skills and raised his potential trade value as he helped the Golden State Warriors to a 140-131 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night at United Center.
Returning to the starting lineup for the first time in a month, Wiggins proved his worth to a struggling Warriors team. The former No. 1 draft pick also put to rest any doubts about his chemistry with teammate Jonathan Kuminga.
Wiggins had a strong defensive showing in the third quarter, limiting Chicago guard Coby White to just two points during their matchup. He also contributed offensively, finishing the game with 17 points, eight assists, five rebounds, two steals, and one block.
This performance marked Wiggins’ highest scoring game since December when he scored 22 points against the Denver Nuggets. Warriors coach Steve Kerr lauded Wiggins’ efforts, calling it a fantastic game and praising his defensive pressure on White.
The strong showing against the Bulls may have boosted Wiggins’ potential trade value, as rumors circulate about the Warriors potentially making moves before the upcoming NBA trade deadline. The team currently sits in 12th place in the Western Conference, prompting speculation about possible trades.
In a recent post-game interview, Stephen Curry hinted at the need for a trade, stating that continuing with the same strategies but expecting different results would be insane. Wiggins, who has been in and out of the starting lineup all season, stepped up after a rough stretch of games and proved his value against the Bulls.
During the game, Wiggins and Kuminga showcased their compatibility on the court, dispelling concerns about spacing and similarity in their playing style. Kuminga excelled from the perimeter, sinking all four three-point attempts, while Wiggins attacked the paint and found success with mid-range shots.
Coach Kerr showed confidence in both players by including them in the closing rotation, demonstrating the impact they had on the team’s victory. Kerr praised Kuminga for his energy and spirit, highlighting that it was one of his best games yet.
Wiggins opened the game with a three-pointer and a powerful two-handed dunk, setting the tone for the Warriors’ dominant performance. If Wiggins can maintain this level of play, he can become a valuable asset for the team or a potential trade piece.
In conclusion, Andrew Wiggins’ strong performance against the Chicago Bulls showcased his ability to contribute on both ends of the court and potentially raised his trade value. The Warriors, currently in 12th place in the Western Conference, have been the subject of trade rumors. Wiggins’ chemistry with teammate Jonathan Kuminga was evident, as they worked well together in the game-changing third quarter. With more games like this, Wiggins can prove his worth to the team or attract interest from other teams in the league.