NBA 2022 Finals: We had no idea Andrew Wiggins will make that kind of contribution: Steve Kerr

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was delighted after they defeated Boston Celtics at Chase Center, San Francisco by 104-94 to take a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals 2022 on Monday night. Andrew Wiggins was the star of the show for the Dubs and Kerr said that they were not expecting the talisman to have a night as he did.

Wiggins ticked all the right boxes on the court as he top-scored for GSW with 26 points on 12-of-23 shooting, 13 rebounds, two steals, two assists, and one block. In fact, Steph Curry could only score 16 points and failed to even score a solitary 3-pointer but the 27-year-old Canadian was able to step up his game.

“We knew we needed his athleticism and defense and his versatility. We had no idea that he would make this kind of contribution,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “But I think it’s a reminder that for every — almost every player in the NBA, circumstances are everything. You kind of need to find the right place, the right teammates, that kind of stuff. Wiggs has been a great fit.”

In fact, Wiggins’ 26 points are his second-best of the 2022 NBA playoffs and he found a perfect time to bring his best for his team. Klay Thompson, who scored 21 points for GSW feels Wiggins’ performance lifted the whole team.

“I mean, buying in is one of the biggest keys to success in this league, and for what Andrew did tonight, I mean, we don’t get — we don’t get more excited than when Wiggs dunks on somebody,” Klay Thompson said. “And that really uplifts the whole team and the Bay Area.”

Meanwhile, Wiggins was brought in by GSW in trade for Kevin Durant two years ago. Draymond Green believes the 27-year-old has continued to get better with his performances.

“A lot of people looked at that trade like, oh, that’s another piece they can move,” Green said. “We looked at the trade from the very beginning like that is a guy who can fit next to a healthy group absolutely well. … He’s continued to show that. He’s continued to get better. He’s taken on every challenge that we have thrown in front of him. And that’s been huge. And we need him to do that for one more win.”

The sixth game of the series will be played on Thursday night.