There were two moments you can pinpoint in Game 1 of the Golden State Warriors’ playoff series against the Sacramento Kings that may have made you think, “Oh, this team is for REAL!”
The first moment was actually three sequences where Andrew Wiggins — coming off a long hiatus with his conditioning and form still a question mark going into tonight — showing why he makes a difference, and why his presence can spell the difference between a deep playoff run and one that might end earlier than expected.
If you’ve forgotten just how paramount Wiggins and his wing defense is to the Warriors — even after a magical playoff run last season that had his fingerprints smeared all over it — then let this possession below serve as a reminder:
With the Kings running high ball-screen action between Kevin Huerter and Domantas Sabonis, Wiggins comes over to provide an additional layer of security in the form of a help-side block, despite Kevon Looney being in good position to handle Sabonis’ roll.