The Warriors rode a strong two-way performance from Andrew Wiggins to a drama-free 112-87 victory over the Dallas Mavericks Monday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Golden State assistant coach Bruce Fraser joined 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” Tuesday morning to discuss Wiggins’ big night and how he’s fit in with the Warriors since joining in a 2020 midseason trade. Check out the full interview below:
“Wiggs was incredible,” Fraser told Mark Willard and Dan Dibley. “He was very focused. You could feel his force right away. When he plays like that – it’s been true all season – when he brings that level of intensity and focus, we’re much better as a team.”
Wiggins played a chief role in holding Mavs superstar Luka Doncic to just 20 points, including two after halftime. The Warriors also scored 19 points and had a very efficient first half, scoring 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
Golden State has always been pushing Wiggins to keep his foot on the pedal and not rely on his raw tools. You’re seeing the results in the postseason, as he’s been eager to do all the dirty work.
“I think the knock on him is that he’s always been so talented that he is just kind of successful on his talent,” Fraser said. “What you don’t see in him is an internal fire that burns. He’s competitive. He wants to win. I think it matters. That’s another thing that people take for granted – that Wiggs just doesn’t care. The reality is, is that this is a caring person that this really matters to. He’s a very good basketball player. He’s skilled. He’s been very helpful.”
Wiggins may have put up bigger numbers while serving as the franchise centerpiece for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but now he’s a key player – who oscillates from a role player to a star. Wiggins is winning and he doesn’t have to carry the offense on his back.
After the game, Wiggins discussed what it’s like to be part of a successful organization.
Fraser said he can see the results of Wiggins’ maturation process.
“I think the one thing that’s helped him here is we have a really good culture where all his things that people spoke on in the past have come around,” Fraser said. “He’s been a great addition and I think he’s picked up his defensive intensity and that’s really helped us.”
