Mavericks owner Mark Cuban: Golden State's Andrew Wiggins beat us

In a recent interview with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban praised Andrew Wiggins, who elevated his game last season for Golden State.

“I think he was the one who beat us,” said Cuban, referencing the Mavericks' loss in five games in the Western Conference Finals.

Cuban said Golden State’s Big Three of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green performed as the Mavericks had predicted. Wiggins was the wild card.

“We didn’t know what to expect or how Wiggs would step up, and he did. That’s what it comes down to in that type of series. Everybody understanding their roles, being able to execute on what the coach puts out for you, and having guys you’d call role players step up when the time is right.”

Wiggins made a difference against the Mavericks

In five games in the Western Conference Finals, Wiggins averaged 18.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 36.8 minutes. Golden State outscored Dallas by 13.9 points per 100 possessions when Wiggins was on the floor.

Wiggins’ defense against Mavericks star Luka Doncic was one of the keys to this series for the Warriors. In the 181 minutes Wiggins and Doncic shared the court, Doncic shot 39.8 percent from the floor and turned the ball over 19 times. The Warriors outscored the Mavericks by 58 points with Wiggins and Doncic on the court.