NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: WARRIORS vs KINGS

April 20, 2023

Andrew Wiggins

Media Conference

Warriors 114, Kings 97

ANDREW WIGGINS: Open the floor for everybody, sharing the ball, playing was basketball.

Q. A couple guys have spoken about the defense sparking some spectacular offense, and there was a sequence there when you had a block, and then moments later when you had a big three. How much were you guys feeding off of big defensive plays and rebounds and all the things that you talked about leading into this game?

ANDREW WIGGINS: Yeah, I mean we need it. That's what's going to fuel us every game. We know when things are not going our way that's something that we should be able to depend on, the rebounding, the defense, the hard work, trying to make the other team uncomfortable.

Q. First I just want to share with you that a lot of your fans in China and Asia are just so happy and excited to see you back in action. I wanted to ask you, how do you feel to play on the home court after several months?

ANDREW WIGGINS: Yeah, it feels great being back, especially in this atmosphere, we've got the best fans in the world. Every time you step on that court they make you feel appreciated. So I love them back.

Q. Three rebounds in the first game for you, five the next, seven tonight. How much of that was an emphasis for you personally especially with Draymond and Gary out and what does it say about where you are physically right now?

ANDREW WIGGINS: I feel like with Draymond out, GP out, everyone had to fill those shoes together and rebound the ball. I feel like that's what's going to take us over the top is rebounding and I feel like every game, you know, I'm just getting back to myself rebounding-wise. Hopefully I can keep it going and going up.

Q. The first two games, you guys like to play quickly but Steve said you were playing in hurry and that was leading to turnovers and fouls and not as good decision-making. What did you guys do to control the pace of this game?

ANDREW WIGGINS: I felt like we played fast but we were moving the ball, playing together and not playing as fast as before. We were just taking our time, getting good shots, and you know, going from good to great.

Q. How different is it when the other team is doing box in ones, strapping, paying attention to Steph? Do you feel the space when you're out there operating?

ANDREW WIGGINS: Oh, for sure. When Steph is on the court, you know it's going to take like three guys to guard him because he's that special. He just frees up the court for everyone else to get open shots, make plays, and just the floor opens up.