NBA: 5 Key players for the Warriors to win the Finals

Fans can catch every Finals game at their respective times and can also listen to pregame, live, and postgame coverage with the Spoken Truth Podcast. We will provide in depth conversations, analysis, and wall to wall coverage of every Finals game starting June 2. It's Golden State sixth appearance in eight seasons, while Boston is competing in the NBA Finals for the 22nd time. The Celtics are seeking an NBA-record 18th title and the Warriors are seeking their seventh championship.

5. Jordan Poole (SG)

Jordan Poole had an amazing coming out party this season, averaging a career-high in points, minutes and free throw percentage. Poole is averaging 30 minutes, scoring 18.5 points per game, while shooting an NBA-best 92.5% from the free throw line. In two games against Boston this year, Poole averaged a team-best 29 points on 46.2% from 3-point range, while shooting a team-best 50% from the field. Without a doubt, he was the x-factor in the regular season against the Celtics.

4. Klay Thompson (SG)

Klay Thompson had a shaky postseason after suffering two season-ending injuries with a torn ACL and ruptured Achilles. After his highly anticipated debut this season, he has averaged 20.4 points. Thompson has struggled at times in these playoffs including a horrific shooting performance in several games against the Grizzlies and Mavericks. Despite the struggles, he showed up when it mattered the most. In Game 6 against Memphis, Thompson erupted for 30 points en route to securing the series win. He exploded for 19 points in the first half against Dallas in Game 6 and shimmied his way to a game-high 32 points to help secure the Warriors sixth trip to the Finals in eight years.

3. Kevon Looney (C)

Kevon Looney has arguably been the Warriors most important player since Game 5 against the Grizzlies. In the last seven games, Looney had four double-digit rebound performances including a career-high 22 rebounds against Memphis in Game 5. In these playoffs, Looney also scored a career-high in points and field goal percentage with 21 points on 10/14 shooting against the Mavericks. He also recorded two double-double games this season with a 21-point, 22-rebound showing against the Mavericks in Game 2 and a 10-point, 18-rebound performance in Game 5. He must be a key player in the Finals and must be able to hold his own against the Celtics big men.

2. Stephen Curry (PG)

Shocker, right? Although Curry is arguably the best player in this series, he is not the biggest x-factor for the Warriors to win their seventh championship. He is averaging 26 points, 6.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds with a 59.7 true shooting percentage during the playoffs. In five games against the Mavericks, Curry averaged 23.8 points, 7.4 assists and 6.6 rebounds, while shooting 43.9% from 3-point range. This season has been a first for Curry winning the 2022 NBA Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP and becoming the inaugural Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP. He ranks second on this list simply because the amount of attention opposing defenses play while he's on the floor is essential to the Warriors success. Curry is looking to make his case that’s he’s a top-10 player in NBA history and that beings with a fourth NBA Championship and his first Finals MVP.

1. Andrew Wiggins (SF)

Andrew Wiggins is the most important player for the Golden State Warriors in this series. Wiggins has arguably been the Warriors best and most consistent perimeter defender this season. He offers the team the ability to stretch the floor and play five-out with his ability to score from the perimeter and inside. This year Wiggins made his first NBA All-Star selection. averaging 15.8 points, 7.0 rebounds with a true shooting percentage of 55.8. With the Timberwolves, Wiggins averaged just over 19 points in five seasons. In the last five games, he averaged 18.6 points and 7.0 rebounds, while shooting 46.2% from the field. Wiggins' defense against Grizzlies star Ja Morant and Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was incredible. The Warriors are going to need Wiggins to be aggressive on offense, and a lock down defender on the defensive side of the ball. He will have the assignment of guarding either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown. If the Warriors would like to win a seventh championship, Wiggins is the key.

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Photo Credit: The Cold Wire.