Curry, Wiggins return to Warriors to invigorate team
January 17, 2023
The defending champs have had a slow start to their season, with a record of 22-22. Including that, they have the worst road record of 5-17. However, Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins have just returned from their injuries and the Warriors will look better than ever.
The Dubs recently went on a five-game winning streak with their chemistry and defense improving. During that streak, they figured out how to be a threat without Curry. At the beginning of the season, Jordan Poole had a slow start to the season and was in a shooting slump. Without Curry, Poole was averaging 28, 2, and 4. The Warriors will be extremely dangerous having a player of Poole’s caliber off the bench.
Klay Thompson had a slow start to the season and many thought he wouldn’t be able to perform at the level of his old self. Klay has proved them all wrong, however, as he is averaging 25, 4, and 2 over the last few games. Klay recently dropped a 54-piece against the Hawks where they won in double overtime. With the way he’s been playing, he could end up being an all-star.
Draymond Green has been an elite defender, and came in clutch multiple times during the Warriors 5 game run, getting blocks, steals, and even hitting threes. Draymond has been a valuable piece to the Warriors and has shown his presence on all places on the floor.
The Iron Man of the Warriors, Kevon Looney, has been an elite rebounder who creates many second opportunities for the Dubs. Looney hit a putback buzzer-beater against the Hawks in double overtime, which goes to show Looney’s worth on this team.
The Iron Man of the Warriors, Kevon Looney, has been an elite rebounder who creates many second opportunities for the Dubs.
Donte DiVincenzo, who was signed on a mid-level exception this offseason has filled the gaps in Gary Payton II’s absence. He is an elite rebounder for his height and has showcased his defensive prowess. An instance of this is when he stole the ball from Damian Lillard in crunchtime and hit a dagger three-pointer to help the Warriors win the game. Against the Hawks, he hit another three-pointer to force the game into overtime. DiVincenzo has proven he can win at every stage as well, winning two state championships in high school, two NCAA championships, and a ring with the Bucks.
The other two new additions to the Warriors, Ty Jerome and Anthony Lamb, who are signed on two-way contracts have been great fits for the Dubs. Jerome has had shooting splints close to 50/40/90, and Lamb hasn’t been too far off from matching this. Lamb had a career-high against the Magic the other night, having 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assist, and 2 steals.
The Warriors’ young players have stepped up and have been great off the bench. Jonathan Kuminga has showcased his elite athleticism, helping the Warriors make winning plays.
Furthermore, his defense, playmaking, and rebounding have improved. The 28th overall pick in this year’s draft, Patrick Baldwin Jr. has been an elite shooter off the bench. James Wiseman, the former 2nd overall pick has improved a lot from his time in the G-League and will end up being a key piece for the Warriors’ playoff run. He’s had limited playtime so far but when he’s on the court, he’s showcased his improved screen setting, defense, and athleticism. Wiseman has showcased what he can do with more playtime, where he had a 30-piece against the Nets.
Andrew Wiggins has been having his most efficient season yet. He is shooting almost 50 percent from the field and a career-best 40 percent from downtown while averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a half, and almost a block. Wiggins is one of the best two-way players currently and there is a chance he could be an all-star again.
The two-time MVP has just returned from his injury and has had a slow start, but Curry is just getting used to the flow of the game again. Curry is having another historic season, which is matching his unanimous MVP one, where he is averaging 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists with shooting splints of 49 percent from the field, 42 percent from three, and 91 percent from the charity stripe. Curry has been the key reason for the Warriors’ successful moments and has kept the team afloat, such as his 41-point game against the Wizards.
Ultimately, the Warriors will have a similar turnaround to their season the way the Boston Celtics had last year. They are 7 wins off from the 1st seed and all it will take for them is a winning streak, which they can easily go on. The Warriors won’t worry too much about their regular season record, however and they’ll focus most of their energy on the playoffs. In the end, the Warriors will hang up their 8th championship banner.
