Steph happy for Wiggins' playoff success: ‘This is his moment'

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One of Steph Curry’s many endearing qualities is his genuine support for his teammates.

All season long, he has been hyping up Andrew Wiggins while the first-time All-Star had a career year with the Warriors. Now, that encouragement is continuing on the world’s biggest basketball stage.

After Wiggins put up 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting in the Warriors’ 112-87 Game 1 win while defending Mavericks’ star Luka Dončić, Curry was full of praise during his postgame interview on TNT.

“He’s just showing everybody what he’s capable of in terms of impacting winning,” Curry said. “We’re asking him to take on that challenge [of guarding Dončić] and be aggressive offensively.”

Wiggins did both well on Wednesday in 35 minutes, limiting Dončić to 20 points on 6-of-18 shooting. Dončić had just two points in the second half and turned the ball over seven times.

This is the 27-year-old Wiggins’ first meaningful playoff experience aside from one series with Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018. He’s had to live up to expectations of being the No. 1 overall pick of a franchise that has struggled in recent years.

Related: Hilarious reason why Steph, Dubs want Wiggs to get taunting tech

With the Warriors, Wiggins can just be himself, playing a support role for the other stars. And he’s made the most of it, willing to cede the spotlight to Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole but also stepping up and making big shots when called upon. 

Wiggins is averaging 14.5 points and 6.9 rebounds and shooting 40 percent from deep during the playoffs. 

“Last series, he demonstrated that he’s ready for this moment,” Curry said. “Game 1, he stepped up. I’m happy for him. Eight years in the league, this is his moment.”

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