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Draymond Green on why he is still mad at Andrew Wiggins after his great game against Mavericks
Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

Draymond Green's frustration with Andrew Wiggins, despite his impressive performance in the 104-100 against the Mavericks, sheds light on the intricacies of teamwork and player expectations within the Golden State Warriors. While Wiggins showcased his offensive prowess with 23 points and 4 rebounds on 8-16 from the field and 3-5 from 3-point range, Green's critique reveals a deeper desire for consistency and assertiveness from his teammate.

"Two-Way Wigs was in the building in a major way 23 points on 8 for 16 and three for five. I'm still pi--ed at Wiggs."

"Why am I pi--ed at Wiggs because Wiggs came out aggressive and then it was a couple possessions right after the first couple shots he missed that he came off the screen and he was like uh who do I need to pass the ball no you go shoot the ball."

"We need Wiggs scoring, we need Wiggs aggressive, the pressure he puts on the rim uh the way he's been shooting the ball lights out and then pick and while doing that picking up Luka, full court the whole game."

"Picking him up full court, not switching, getting over screens fighting, battling and Luka is great you know we know how great Luka is um and Wiggs took on that challenge and had a big game for us." (8:32)

Green's remarks highlight the importance of Wiggins maintaining an aggressive mindset throughout the game, regardless of early misses or setbacks. The veteran forward expressed his disappointment with Wiggins' brief hesitation to take a shot after a couple of misses, emphasizing the team's reliance on Wiggins' scoring ability.

Despite Wiggins' resurgence in recent games, Green's candid assessment underscores the team's high expectations for the talented forward. Green's leadership extends beyond on-court performances, as he actively guides and motivates his teammates to reach their full potential.

Wiggins' journey this season reflects both struggles and triumphs, from early-season inconsistencies to a remarkable resurgence post-trade deadline. His improvement in scoring and overall contribution to the team's success indicate a positive trajectory for the Warriors as they approach the postseason.

In addition to Green's critique of Wiggins, his defensive prowess and leadership were pivotal in securing the Warriors' victory over the Mavericks. Green's crucial block on Daniel Gafford in the final minutes exemplified his impact on both ends of the floor, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the team's defensive identity.

As the Warriors strive to solidify their playoff positioning and make a deep postseason run, Draymond Green's guidance and Wiggins' offensive contributions will remain essential factors in their quest for championship contention. The dynamic between the two players exemplifies the ongoing evolution and resilience of the Warriors' roster as they navigate the challenges of an NBA season.

Andrew Wiggins Is Key For The Warriors But Must Find His Form

Andrew Wiggins' impact during the Warriors' 2022 title run showcased his defensive prowess and offensive potential. As a versatile defender, Wiggins often stifled the opposing team's best perimeter players, earning praise for his defensive tenacity against stars like Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum.

However, since then, Wiggins has struggled to consistently justify his hefty contract, failing to replicate his previous level of performance. Despite averaging 13.0 points and 4.5 rebounds this season, Wiggins' shooting percentages have dipped below expectations.

Nevertheless, recent glimpses of improvement suggest that Wiggins is regaining his form. His recent resurgence, marked by improved scoring and consistency, indicates a positive trajectory for the Warriors' playoff ambitions. As a key component of the team's success, Wiggins must rediscover his defensive intensity and offensive impact to elevate the Warriors' chances in the postseason.

For the Warriors to contend for another championship, Wiggins must reclaim the defensive tenacity and offensive versatility that defined his contributions during their title run. As the playoffs approach, Wiggins' ability to rise to the occasion will be crucial in determining the Warriors' postseason fate.

The Warriors Can Effectively End The Rockets Season 

The upcoming clash between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets holds significant implications for both teams, particularly in the context of their playoff aspirations. With the Warriors currently holding a three-game lead over the Rockets in the Western Conference standings, a victory for Golden State could effectively spell the end of Houston's season.

In recent weeks, the Rockets made a spirited push to narrow the gap between themselves and the Warriors, reducing it to just one game at one point. However, a string of losses combined with the Warriors' impressive five-game winning streak has widened the margin to three games, placing Golden State in a favorable position heading into their matchup.

Sitting in 10th place in the West with a record of 41-34, the Warriors have their sights set on securing a spot in the play-in tournament and potentially making a postseason run. Conversely, the Rockets find themselves in 11th place with a record of 38-37, desperately trying to claw their way into playoff contention.

For the Warriors, a victory in the upcoming game would not only solidify their position in the standings but also deal a significant blow to the Rockets' postseason hopes. With just six games remaining after this crucial matchup, a four-game lead for Golden State would leave little room for Houston to stage a comeback.

On the other hand, a loss for the Warriors would narrow the gap to just two games, injecting added pressure and uncertainty into the final stretch of the season. As such, both teams understand the magnitude of this game and will undoubtedly leave everything on the court in their pursuit of victory.

With playoff implications hanging in the balance, the Warriors have an opportunity to exert their dominance and effectively end the Rockets' season with a decisive win. However, in the unpredictable landscape of the NBA, every game carries immense significance, making this showdown a must-watch for basketball fans everywhere.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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