Andrew Wiggins' huge double-double effort in Game 5 puts Golden State Warriors on verge of another NBA title

SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Wiggins has been waiting his entire career for a moment to shine on the NBA Finals stage.

An eight-year veteran, he hadn't yet had the opportunity. But now that he's here, he is taking advantage.

Wiggins led the Warriors to their 104-94 victory over the Boston Celtics in Monday night's Game 5, finishing with 26 points on 12-of-23 shooting, 13 rebounds, two steals, two assists and one block as Golden State took a 3-2 series lead.

«We knew we needed his athleticism and defense and his versatility. We had no idea that he would make this kind of contribution,» Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. «But I think it's a reminder that for every — almost every player in the NBA, circumstances are everything. You kind of need to find the right place, the right teammates, that kind of stuff. Wiggs has been a great fit.»

Since the Warriors' Game 4 win in Boston, the discourse surrounding the team has largely been about how Golden State needed to support superstar Stephen Curry.

On a night when Curry scored just 16 points and failed to hit a single 3-pointer, Wiggins provided the relief in Game 5.

His 26 points are the second most he has scored this postseason. He tallied 20 paint points, tying his postseason high. It marked the first time Wiggins has led the Warriors in scoring and rebounding all season (playoffs and regular season), and it is the first time he has recorded back-to-back double-doubles.

«I mean, buying in is one of the biggest keys to success in this league, and for what Andrew did tonight, I mean, we don't get — we don't get more excited than when Wiggs dunks on somebody,» Klay Thompson said. «And that really uplifts the whole team and the Bay Area.»

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