Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins has been ruled doubtful for Game 6 with a left costal cartilage (ribcage) fracture, the team announced Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Wiggins is averaging 16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists and shooting 37.7 percent from 3 in five games against the Lakers in that series.
- The 2015 Rookie of the Year played 36 minutes in Game 5 for a postseason high of 25 points.
- Wiggins played 37 games for the Warriors during the regular season, the fewest of his career.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
When did that happen?
With about five minutes to go, Wiggins fell on an offensive rebound, cracked LeBron James on a boxout and initially began grabbing the left side of his rib cage. That’s where the injury seemed to have occurred. Wiggins spent the next few minutes reaching for the injured spot during game stoppages. It didn’t slow him down much. Wiggins even had a 1 hook shot in traffic and crashed hard to the ground. But after the free throw, he grabbed his chest again on the way up. – Slater
How was he after the game?
Wiggins was in noticeable pain after the game, clinging to his locker and moving cautiously. He landed in the cold tub and came out still in visible pain, occasionally holding onto his left side. His spirits seemed good and he still conducted his post-game interview. Wiggins typically takes the most opportunities to miss the podium and an injury would have been a valid reason. He could have done it at his locker too. But he made his way up the stairs and to the interview room. Although he was clearly in pain, Wiggins said as he exited the dressing room that he would be fine and expected to play. – Thompson
What does this mean for Game 6?
Assuming he plays, all eyes will be on Wiggins and Anthony Davis (who is struggling with a head injury) for the first few minutes. The Warriors actually have a history with this type of injury. Kevon Looney suffered a fractured rib cartilage early in the 2019 final after Kawhi Leonard hit him head-on on a drive. Looney missed Game 3 with the injury but returned for Games 4, 5 and 6, playing with a padded body armor under his jersey. Wiggins may need something similar.
If he can deal with the discomfort, he’ll get his normal 35-plus minutes. But when he’s too affected to be his normal self, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody and Donte DiVincenzo will take on greater responsibilities. Jonathan Kuminga is also in Steve Kerr’s bullpen should he ever decide to field the 1.80m star athlete. – Slater
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(Photo: Kyle Terada / USA Today)