SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Wiggins scored 24 points and had five steals in his debut for the Golden State Warriors during a 125-120 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
The veteran swingman went 8-for-12 from the field in 31 minutes. The 24-year-old showed some of the offensive prowess the Warriors are hoping to see more of, especially once Stephen Curry (broken left hand) and Klay Thompson (left ACL rehab) return to the floor.
Wiggins was acquired on Thursday in a package that included a future first-round pick and second-round pick and sent guards D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans and big man Omari Spellman to the Timberwolves. The Warriors are hopeful their solid culture can help maximize Wiggins’ considerable potential. Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Wiggins’ durability prior to the game.
“It’s critical,” Kerr said. “You need players who you can count to be out there from one night to the next. It’s a great sign that through the early part of his career, five years of his career, he’s basically been out there every night. It’s a great quality, and hopefully that’s something that continues while he’s here.”
Wiggins received a warm ovation from the sold-out Chase Center crowd during pregame introductions after being announced for the first time. He was also greeted by a familiar face when his former coach with the Timberwolves, Tom Thibodeau, stopped him and gave him a hug prior to pregame warm-ups.
“Go get ’em,” Thibodeau told him.