Warriors All-Star Player Unexpectedly Ruled OUT Of 2024 Season…
For a second straight game, Andrew Wiggins will be unexpectedly ruled out for the Golden State Warriors due to an illness. Last night, it was against the Washington Wizards, and tonight, it’ll be against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Warriors easily defeated the Washington Wizards by 11 points even without Wiggins. For what it’s worth, there appears to be a flu-like illness circulating throughout the NBA at the moment. Just this week, Paul George and Norman Powell were both listed as ill in the Western Conference. The player determines how serious the illness is. Andrew Wiggins has missed two games, Paul George has missed one, and Norman Powell has not missed any.
Brandin Podziemski, fortunately for the Warriors, has been upgraded to probable. The Warriors should be able to handle the Portland Trail Blazers given the amount of talent they have at their disposal. Due to the fact that they are playing two nights in a row, the Warriors’ level of effort will be their biggest area of concern. It’s particularly important to remember that the Portland Trail Blazers have already twice this season given the Warriors a serious competition.
The Golden State Warriors will have a winning record, a five-game winning streak, and a chance to return to the play-in round if they succeed tonight. The Warriors must win this game for a number of reasons.
READ MORE:
Steph, Kerr praises Looney’s leadership in light of fluctuating role…
The rise of rookie big man Trayce Jackson-Davis has resulted in a decrease in minutes for three-time champion and Warriors center Kevon Looney.
But despite his inconsistent playing time, the veteran’s confidence hasn’t wavered because of Looney’s unwavering leadership.
Following Saturday night’s 126-106 victory of the Warriors over the Portland Trailblazers at Chase Center, Looney received glowing remarks about his character from his longtime teammate and coach.
“Whether it’s a regular-season game or the playoff runs we’ve had,” Steph Curry told reporters postgame. “I mean, one, it’s [Looney’s] availability. He’s always preparing himself to be out there and play physically, give us that presence in the paint. He’s a smart basketball player who understands how to move the ball, how to set great screens.
“Don’t let anyone take for granted what Loon does. If you know basketball, those little things in the margins help you win on a consistent basis.”
Curry underlined following Golden State’s victory over Portland that the UCLA product’s leadership qualities are only enhanced by his consistency and versatility.
Since the Warriors selected Looney with the 30th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, he has been a dependable member of Golden State’s dynasty.
Looney continued to be effective despite playing fewer minutes; in just 22 minutes against the Blazers, he recorded six points, seven assists, and eleven rebounds.
After the Warriors’ victory, Kerr told reporters, “The vibe is good.” “There are many strong leaders in the locker room. Kevon is the man I want to draw attention to. He hasn’t had any luck in the last four or so games. Because of his excellent play, Trayce Jackson-Davis has received a large portion of Loon’s playing time. And [Kevon] is a rock at practice—he leads every single night and every single day. He’s been fantastic sitting on the bench, offering guys advice, encouraging them when they’re playing well, and giving advice during timeouts.
“I think the true definition of a leader is someone who leads when things aren’t going well for himself. That’s what makes Loon so special, that’s who he is. And then you just know things are going to turn back around like they did tonight. Totally professional, kind of an old soul, a lot of wisdom, steady as they come. So, we’re lucky to have Loon.”
Looney has stayed composed, but Jackson-Davis has battled his way into Kerr’s crowded rotation.
When Draymond Green is suspended and the Warriors are without him indefinitely, Looney continues to be a steadying force and a voice of reason.