Warriors slump with Curry and Thompson held to 13 points each.
The Golden State Warriors faced a disappointing 114–102 loss against the Miami Heat, slipping back under .500 for the season at 15–16. The game marked a tough night for both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson who were both held to just 13 points each.
With a towel covering his face, Curry looked dejected, while Thompson stared into space. The duo remained seated for an extended period even after most players had left for the locker room. Curry eventually got up and walked off the court.
The Warriors, who have had a streaky season, starting 6–2 before enduring a six-game skid and later a five-game winning streak, are now tasked with preventing their current two-game losing streak from turning into a damaging downturn to their championship aspirations. The team will look to bounce back in their upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center.
The Heat, despite missing key players like Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, and Josh Richardson, secured a significant victory with Tyler Herro leading the way with 26 points and seven rebounds. The short-handed Heat demonstrated resilience, and coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenge they posed. The Warriors, who had won eight consecutive games at Chase Center, suffered their first home loss since November 18.
As the Warriors navigate through the challenges of the season, the performance against the Heat serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the NBA, urging them to regroup and refocus for upcoming matchups.
Warriors Are Open To Trading Andrew Wiggins
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly open to the possibility of trading Andrew Wiggins, a key member of the 2022 championship-winning team, according to The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami. The discussion revolves around the dynamics between Wiggins and fellow wing Jonathan Kuminga and whether they can coexist effectively on the court. If the Warriors determine that the two players cannot play together, they may explore trade options for Wiggins.
Wiggins is currently experiencing a subpar season, averaging 12.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, with shooting percentages of 42.6% from the field and 29.9% from beyond the arc. These figures represent a significant dip from his career averages. Despite Wiggins coming off one of his better performances in a Christmas Day loss to the Nuggets, where he scored 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting, the overall season has been challenging for the former No. 1 overall pick.
While Wiggins’ relatively affordable extension was initially considered a factor that might deter the Warriors from exploring trade options, Kawakami suggests that it may not be a major barrier, especially if the team decides that Kuminga is their preferred small forward.
The Warriors, known for making bold roster moves, previously traded Jordan Poole in the offseason, signaling that being a pivotal member of the last championship team does not guarantee immunity from potential trades. Wiggins’ future with the Warriors could depend on how well he integrates into different lineups, and the team’s decision-making may be impacted by Draymond Green’s current indefinite suspension.
As the Warriors navigate the complexities of their roster, Wiggins’ performance and fit within the team will likely play a crucial role in determining whether the franchise decides to move on from the Canadian wing.
