The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a hard-fought victory against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 3, 2023, winning 123-115 and extending their remarkable start to the season at 20-1. This win marks the Thunder as one of the few teams in NBA history to achieve such a strong record early on. As they prepare for their next challenge against the Golden State Warriors, the return of Aaron Wiggins could play a pivotal role.
Wiggins made his comeback during the match against the Blazers, marking his first appearance since early November when he suffered an adductor strain. His return coincided with the recovery of fellow player Jalen Williams, who also returned to action on December 1. While Williams garnered significant attention, Wiggins’ presence on the court is expected to be equally impactful.
Prior to his injury, Wiggins had been performing at a high level, scoring a season-high of 27 points in a previous loss to the Blazers. His absence due to injury left a noticeable gap, but the Thunder managed to maintain their momentum throughout the last 11 games. As they approach their matchup against the Warriors on December 5, Wiggins is poised to reclaim a starting role, especially with teammates Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Alex Caruso currently sidelined.
The Thunder’s coaching staff and fans alike are hopeful that Wiggins can quickly regain his form. A few weeks out of action may lead to some rustiness, but his ability to create his own shots could provide the Thunder with the offensive boost they need. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren likely leading the scoring efforts, Wiggins has the opportunity to solidify his role as a critical fourth contributor.
As the Thunder prepare for a tough game at Chase Center, Wiggins’ shooting ability will be vital against a Golden State team that has struggled with perimeter defense. His current season averages of 13.8 points per game and a shooting percentage of 41.8% from beyond the arc demonstrate his potential to make a significant impact.
With a 13-game winning streak on the line, the Thunder need all the firepower they can muster. Wiggins’ return could not come at a more opportune moment, and his performance against the Warriors will be closely watched as he seeks to help the team continue its impressive run.
