ANDREW WIGGINS LEAD THE WARRIORS OVERWHELM THE CLIPPERS

Andrew Wiggins lifted the Golden State Warriors’ rousing 124-107 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in San Francisco on Wednesday night (Thursday, Philippine time).

Andrew Wiggins called the shots when Clippers defenders were tightly guarding the Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, stepping up as the team Warriors needed him to.

He accounted for a season-high 31 points, including back-to-back triples during a crucial stretch midway through the third period.

“Steph’s going to be Steph, always,” Wiggins said in an Associated Press (AP) report, adding: “Tonight the ball was moving and found a lot of people, made some shots.”

Wiggins, who matched his most treys in the current NBA season with six in his third straight 20-point showing, shot 12 for 18.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr lauded Wiggins, saying, “He’s shooting the lights out. He’s just been so consistent from the field and from the 3-point line. You see how comfortable he is in our offense, constantly slipping to the rim.”

Curry finished with 22 points on top of his nine assists, and six boards, while Thompson sank 18.

Thompson at last found his shooting groove after a slow season start. He fired 10 triples in his season-best 41-point game Monday (Philippine time) in Houston.

Clippers missing Kawhi still

The Clippers leaned on Marcus Morris Sr. and Terance Mann who scored 19 and 17 points, respectively. Los Angeles struggled from the start, shooting just five for 13 from long range in the first half as the Warriors stretched their lead, 66-47, at the break.

John Wall, however, went on 2-for-8 shooting and was limited to just nine points. He missed all his three triple attempts.

With a sprained right ankle, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard sat out during the game. Coach Tyronn Lue said Leonard Woke up with some soreness in his ankle but he’s feeling better and getting better.

“We don’t know a timetable right now though,” Lue said as quoted by AP.

Kerr is eyeing to use Draymond Green more regularly and lead the second team to provide the reserves with a reliable floor leader and ball handler.

Green had nine points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds for the Warriors who won their seventh consecutive home game and improve to 8-1 overall at the Chase Center.

Warriors player Jordan Poole, in a rare off night,  missed all eight triple attempts but Kerr was still satisfied with his performance despite having poor stats.

Golden State has never lost a home game against the LA  Clippers since January 6, 2021, when the Warriors outlasted the Clippers, 108-101.

The Warriors will try to stretch their four-game home winning streak against the Utah Jazz on Saturday (Philippine time) while the Clippers will host the Denver Nuggets.

Golden State, which has been flashing its championship form in the league, will test the mettle of the new-look Utah Jazz. The Jazz on Thursday (Philippine time) bowed to the Detroit Pistons, 116-125, in Salt Lake City.