NBA Finals: How Andrew Wiggins rescued Golden State Warriors from a mid-game slump

Andrew Wiggins took the pressure off Golden State Warriors’ lineup halfway through Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday. The 27-year-old managed to stave off any counters from the Boston Celtics squad, which later lost with a score of 104-94.

Warriors’ star player Stephen Curry seemed to go cold in the second half of the game, partially breaking the team’s momentum. It was Wiggins’ moment to shine. He stepped up and added 26 points in addition to 13 rebounds and two assists.

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Now, the first-time All-Star is on the cusp of becoming a first-time NBA champion — and helping Curry capture yet another title. Warriors coach Steve Kerr appreciated Wiggins’ performance and said that he has “just been fantastic, not just in this series but throughout the playoffs”, Associated Press reported.

Capping his brilliant performance on both ends, Wiggins drove through the lane for an emphatic one-handed slam with 2:10 left.

The Celtics found their own third-quarter magic that has long defined Golden State’s success in the second half. Boston trailed 51-39 at the break before charging back with a 35-point outburst in the third.

Golden State Warriors wound up 9 of 40 from beyond the arc — Wiggins 0 of 6. Curry didn’t make a 3-pointer for the first time since going 0 for 4 in a 134-111 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18, 2018.

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The counter-effort from the Boston Celtics was headed by Jayson Tatum, who managed to add 27 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Marcus Smart was whistled for a technical foul and then an offensive foul in a one-second span early in the fourth. He overcame a slow start to score 20 points.

Boston Celtics lost their first consecutive game in this year’s NBA playoffs, taking a hit at the most crucial stage of the season.