Warriors All-Star Wiggins ignores online criticism amid shooting slump
SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Wiggins knows people are talking.
But the Warriors forward tries to stay clear of any online chatter about his performances — both the good and the bad.
“They’re gonna love you and they’re gonna hate you, then they’re gonna love you again, and then probably hate you again. This is how it goes,” Wiggins said Wednesday after shootaround. “You just got to wake up every morning and be happy to be alive. There’s bigger things to worry about.”
Wiggins is well aware he’s been underperforming since he earned his first All-Star nod earlier this season. Wiggins started the season as a strong two-way player, averaging 18.1 points on 48.3% shooting overall and 41.2% from three in the first 45 games.
But his production and impact have declined significantly since the recognition. In 23 games since he was announced an All-Star, Wiggins is averaging 15.2 points while shooting 42.7% from the field and 33.9% from the perimeter. Wiggins is also connecting on a shoddy 59.1% of his free throws.
Wiggins needs to rediscover his offensive rhythm, which has come and gone over the last few months.
“It’s been there, games I’ve been aggressive, just sometimes shots aren’t falling,” Wiggins said. “That’s part of the game, you know what happens. I just got to keep my head, keep pushing forward and stay confident.”
Remaining confident is key. But the Warriors also need that confidence to translate into production, especially with Stephen Curry out for the foreseeable future.
The Warriors struggled in their most recent five-game road trip, going 1-4 against opponents they should’ve beaten, including the lowly Orlando Magic, mediocre Atlanta Hawks and woeful Washington Wizards. And Wiggins was among the players who had forgettable performances.
Wiggins scored just nine points in 22 minutes against the Hawks Friday. Then, three days later, he scored 10 points against the Memphis Grizzlies, despite playing the second-most minutes on the team (29).
Also notable, Wiggins is 0-for-8 from the three in his last two games.
“It’s tough not seeing your shot go in, even if it feels good,” he said. “You’re getting open shots but it’s part of it. I’m doing my part, I’m in the gym, working hard and I know eventually they’ll fall, they’ll fall at the right time.”
Curry’s absence has had an impact on the team’s overall offensive identity, but Wiggins didn’t use that as an excuse for his recent slump.
“Obviously, no one can replace Steph, the attention he causes on the court, but I feel like I’ve still gotten great looks and put the ball up,” he said. “It just hasn’t been going my way, but that’s how the game goes.”
The Warriors have just six games remaining in the regular season, including Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, who recently clinched the top seed of the Western Conference. Wiggins needs to snap out of his funk and find his rhythm or it could hamper Golden State’s title hopes.
“There’s gonna be ups and downs, that’s part of the journey,” he said. “We got a team full of young, great guys, great players and we have a chance to do something special. I know I just got to keep putting in the work and my time will come. My shot will fall at the right time, and I truly believe that.”