Josh Giddey found his fire and other takeaways from OKC Thunder’s double OT win over Raptors

Aaron Wiggins is invaluable

Few players in the league give off the same value off the bench and on both ends of the court as Aaron Wiggins. 

Wiggins was crucial as an on-ball defender, a disruptor in the passing lanes, a weak-side helper, a timely cutter, and a knockdown shooter in the Thunder victory. His contributions were so aplenty in the matchup that the coaching staff entrusted him to play 33 minutes, and remained on the floor down the stretch. 

Wiggins had 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field and 4-of-11 from the three-point line. He also added six rebounds and two assists. He also forced the first overtime after turning Giddey’s incredible inbound pass to an assist in the final 10 seconds of the fourth period.

He was all over the floor in the game, switching on smaller guards, and Toronto’s sturdy forwards to provide stability for the Thunder on the defensive end. He was scrappy and hard nose, impacting the game even without constant on-ball reps. 

His threat from the outside also gave the Thunder space to drive and touch the paint in the second half. All of his three-point baskets came in the second half of regulation and overtime. 

Any contender would love Wiggins for their team. His outstanding knack for off-ball movement, defense without fouling, and timely shooting have given the Thunder another weapon in their bag of tricks against teams with a bevy of wings. 

It is time to appreciate Aaron Wiggins more than ever.