Over the years, the matchups between the Warriors and Grizzlies have caused quite a stir, courtesy of the physicality and intensity involved. Their latest meeting on Saturday night was no different, with Andrew Wiggins having the last laugh. The 2014-15 Rookie of the Year had an interesting bumping with Desmond Bane.
Heading into the contest at Chase Center, the Dubs were already undermanned. They were missing their most formidable piece in Stephen Curry, along with Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II. Nevertheless, Steve Kerr and crew were able to hold the fort, with Wiggins playing a pivotal role.
Wiggins, who had a slow start to the game flipped the switch in the second half. This seemed to occur after Bane’s physical play. During an instance toward the end of the first half, the Grizzlies guard bumped into the Warriors forward, managing to draw a blocking foul as well.
Andrew Wiggins Reacts to Desmond Bane’s Bump
Andrew Wiggins Terms Desmond Bane’s Bump as Wake-Up Call
Wiggins, who had a mere two points in the first half of the game, ended the night with a game-high 24 points. Going 1-for-6 before halftime, the 2022 champion was run down to the ground via Bane. While the former appeared calm, it marked the turning point in the game.
Returning post-intermission, Wiggins would drop 22 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field. The former All-Star anchored a critical win for the Dubs. Addressing the media postgame, the 29-year-old cheekily remarked how a bump in the first half woke him.
“I feel like that bump definitely, you know just woke me up a little bit. You know, it is a physical game. He made the play, bump me hard…pretty hard.”
Andrew Wiggins was sitting at two points on 1-for-6 shooting when Desmond Bane ran through him at the end of the first half.
Then Wiggins got mad and dropped 22 points in the second half and 18 in the 3rd quarter
“That bump definitely woke me up.” pic.twitter.com/fFyZDYyTna
— KNBR (@KNBR) January 5, 2025
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When asked about the same, Coach Kerr resonated with Wiggins’ opinion. The Warriors coach revealed how the bump made the 6-foot-7 forward mad, who then came out ready to go.
Draymond Green’s Take on Desmond Bane’s Bump and Jonathan Kuminga’s Injury
Talking about the impact of Bane’s bump on Wiggins, Draymond Green revealed how the Memphis player woke up a sleeping giant. Looking ahead at their schedule, the Warriors veteran admitted wanting to continue seeing this aggressive version of Wiggins going forward, especially with Jonathan Kuminga leaving Saturday’s game with an ankle sprain.
Jonathan Kuminga left the arena on crutches tonight after that significant right ankle sprain.
Draymond Green: “Sucks.”
Kuminga crutched past Green during his postgame interview.
“You alright?”
“Yes, sir.” pic.twitter.com/5Wg8HyF0VK
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 5, 2025
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Nonetheless, Wiggins is having an impressive campaign this season, averaging 16.6 points and 4.4 rebounds on close to 40% shooting from the three-point line. The former Timberwolves forward seems to be finding his groove back after a mediocre 2023-24 season.
The Last Word
The first pick in the 2014 draft, Wiggins has shown the potential of a star player on several occasions. Unfortunately, the Kansas alumnus hasn’t been able to sustain his peak. Inconsistency has been a drawback as far as his game is concerned.
But, it is never too late, given Wiggins has the perfect opportunity in the coming weeks. Assuming Kuminga sits out for a couple of weeks, this gives the Canadian baller more bandwidth to perform. He can help take some load off Curry, who continues to be the sole initiator on offense. Bane’s bump may have been a critical juncture for the Warriors All-Star to shift gears.
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