PORTLAND, Ore. — In the Warriors’ decisive 139-104 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, two particular takeaways stood out, especially for coach Steve Kerr and perhaps even more so for superstar Stephen Curry.
The first encouraging sign was Andrew Wiggins, Curry’s new backcourt partner, displaying an efficient performance with 20 points, alongside four rebounds and two assists. Wiggins showed an impressive level of activity and engagement, exuding determination as if he were on a mission.
The second highlight came from Buddy Hield, who contributed significantly off the bench, scoring a team-leading 22 points in under 15 minutes, including 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Although it’s early in the season, it’s reasonable to think Hield might offer more scoring from the bench than any Warriors player has in recent memory.
Wiggins and Hield were so effective that Jonathan Kuminga’s lackluster performance—10 points on 3-of-9 shooting, with four turnovers and three fouls in fewer than 20 minutes—went largely unnoticed. He had the luxury of having an off game.
For the first time since 2019, it seems the Warriors have at least three strong candidates to fill the secondary scoring role that became available following Klay Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks: Wiggins, Kuminga, and Hield, with the order likely shifting from game to game.
Wiggins stepped into the starting shooting guard position that Thompson left vacant and quickly made his presence known. After struggling initially, missing four of his first five shots in the first quarter, he recovered to hit seven of his next 10 attempts, including 4-of-7 from three-point range.
“Wiggs was great,” Kerr commented. “This is what we expect from him this year. He has peace of mind, is in great shape, and is in the prime of his career. I believe Wiggs is set for a fantastic season.”
Since entering the NBA in 2011, Thompson has averaged 8.1 three-point attempts per game; Wiggins has averaged around 4.1. Kerr is looking for an increase in that number, which he saw against the Trail Blazers.
“He attempted seven tonight,” explained Kerr. “But he also attacked the rim and scored layups in transition. That’s what we love about Wiggs—his ability to score from various spots on the floor.”
Wiggins averaged 19.7 points per game during his first six-plus seasons in Minnesota, while that figure dropped to 16.6 since joining Golden State. With Thompson absent, that average is likely to increase. This game marked the first instance where Wiggins started alongside Curry in the backcourt, and it went smoothly without complications.
“I just flowed within the offense, not trying to force anything while remaining aggressive,” Wiggins stated.
Hield, an accomplished 40-percent three-point shooter over his eight-year career, possesses the potential to average around 20 points per game as the team’s Sixth Man. The last Warrior to achieve a 20-point average off the bench was Cazzie Russell, who averaged 20.5 in 1974.
“He’s instant offense,” Kerr said. “His transition play opens up opportunities for others. Buddy’s energy, joy, and enthusiasm are incredible assets to our team, and everyone loves him. He brings it every single day.”
The primary concern regarding Hield revolves around building chemistry with his new teammates. Wiggins has been a Warrior for four years, while Hield has only been with the team for less than four months. Once it became clear that Thompson was leaving, general manager Mike Dunleavy zeroed in on Hield and orchestrated a sign-and-trade deal to bring him to the Bay Area.
“Without Klay, we needed shooting, and we needed it regardless,” Curry noted. “For the past eight years, Hield and I have been among the top three-point shooters, with Klay in the mix. We understand his skill set and what he can do. The transition has been seamless so far.”
The context of Curry’s new scoring partners shining against one of the league’s weaker teams is less important than the fact that Wiggins and Hield have collectively played 484 games in which they scored 20 or more points.
Hield may be new to the offense, but his style aligns well with it, much like Thompson’s.
“Tonight was my night,” Hield reflected after shooting 8-of-12 from the field in his Golden State debut. “Next game, it could be JK. Steph will always be Steph. He’s world-class. I just want to seize my opportunities, run the floor, and keep it open for Steph and others to shine.”
The Warriors’ main goal during the offseason was to find a reliable No. 2 scorer to support Curry. Initial efforts fell flat, but they have opened the season with a roster that may be sufficient to fill that role.
Warriors Shine in Season Opener: Wiggins and Hield Step Up as Curry’s New Scoring Partners
Season Opener Overview
The Golden State Warriors kicked off their season with a bang, showcasing a stunning performance that left fans buzzing with excitement. As the team looks to build on its past successes, the emergence of Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield as key scoring partners for Stephen Curry has become a focal point of discussion. Their contributions not only highlighted individual talent but also reflected the team’s collective effort to adapt and thrive in the evolving landscape of the NBA.
Key Players: Wiggins and Hield
Andrew Wiggins
Wiggins opened the season with an explosive performance, scoring an impressive 28 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. His ability to create his own shot and finish at the rim was on full display, showcasing why he is a critical asset for the Warriors this season.
Buddy Hield
Joining the Warriors in a pivotal offseason trade, Hield quickly made his presence felt, contributing 24 points, including several key three-pointers that kept the Warriors ahead. His sharpshooting ability offers Curry another reliable scoring option, stretching the floor and creating opportunities for the team.
Statistics Showcase
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Three-Point Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 30 | 5 | 7 | 42% |
| Andrew Wiggins | 28 | 9 | 3 | 38% |
| Buddy Hield | 24 | 4 | 2 | 45% |
Game Highlights
- Strong Start: The Warriors jumped to an early lead, supported by aggressive defense and fast-break opportunities.
- Dynamic Offense: The trio of Curry, Wiggins, and Hield showcased a seamless offensive flow, with ball movement leading to open and high-percentage shots.
- Defensive Stalwart: Draymond Green’s defensive prowess was critical in limiting the opposing team’s scoring, allowing the Warriors to maintain control throughout the game.
Benefits of Wiggins and Hield’s Partnership with Curry
The new dynamic created by Wiggins and Hield stepping up alongside Curry offers several benefits:
- Diverse Scoring Options: With multiple players capable of scoring, defenses are forced to spread out, creating more opportunities for all players.
- Improved Team Chemistry: As Wiggins and Hield learn to read Curry’s movements and passing, their effectiveness will only increase.
- Elevated Playoff Aspirations: A potent offensive trio creates optimism for deeper playoff runs, building on the Warriors’ championship pedigree.
Practical Tips for Fans
For fans following the Warriors this season, here are some practical tips:
- Stay Updated: Follow the Warriors’ official social media channels and website for regular updates on player performances and game schedules.
- Engage with the Community: Join fan forums or social media groups to discuss strategies, player performances, and game predictions with fellow supporters.
- Attend Games: If possible, attending games can enhance your experience and support the team directly, creating an electric atmosphere that players thrive on.
Case Study: Previous Season’s Challenges
Last season, the Warriors struggled with inconsistent scoring and injuries that sidelined key players. However, the off-season acquisitions and a renewed focus on team chemistry have set a different tone for this year. The chemistry shown in the season opener is reminiscent of the Warriors teams that dominated the league a few years back.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions
As a long-time Warriors fan, witnessing Wiggins and Hield step up alongside Curry was thrilling. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with cheers erupting every time Hield drained a three-pointer or Wiggins made a strong drive to the basket. The synergy between the players was palpable, and it gave fans hope for a successful season ahead.
Conclusion
While we will continue to watch how the season unfolds, the combination of Curry, Wiggins, and Hield presents an exciting opportunity for the Warriors to reclaim their status as championship contenders. Their ability to collaborate seamlessly on the court will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of a long NBA season.
