Andrew Wiggins has COVID-19 vaccine religious exemption denied

Andrew Wiggins will be held out of home games due to the NBA denying his request for religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine

Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins had his request for a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine denied by the NBA on Friday.

The league’s decision means Wiggins will not be allowed to participate in Warriors home games due to the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s city vaccination requirements. The current order states that all people 12 years and older have to be vaccinated in order to attend large indoor gatherings such as an NBA game.

While the rules in other cities will allow Wiggins to play, he as of now is in jeopardy of missing every single Warriors home game. Here is a look at the NBA’s statement regarding the denial of his request for religious exemption:

The first chance to see this decision impact Wiggins and the Warriors is on October 6, when Golden State hosts the Nuggets in preseason action.

Report: Isaiah Thomas to likely seek a ‘ clearer opportunity’ after strong workouts with the Warriors

The Warriors and Isaiah Thomas were reportedly unable to come to a deal

The Golden State Warriors made headlines last week as they brought in two-time NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas for workouts. While there initially looked to be hope that the Warriors and Thomas could potentially work out an agreement for the upcoming season, the former Celtics star is now reportedly seeking a different opportunity.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Thomas had a strong week of workouts with Golden State. The issue was more of what the Warriors wanted to prioritize for their final few roster spots. Per Slater, Thomas left without a deal and will look for an opportunity that provides a clearer path to making an NBA roster:

Thomas last played in the NBA on a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2021 season. Since his NBA All-Star seasons in 2016 and 2017, the former Washington Husky has dealt with chronic injury issues that have limited his mobility and effectiveness. A hip issue has kept Thomas out for much of the past few seasons as he looks to climb his way back into the NBA.

Proving their commitment to wing depth, the Warriors signed veteran wing Avery Bradley earlier today. 

While the roster construction didn’t work out for the Warriors, there will certainly be other chances for Thomas to get himself back into an NBA rotation providing he stays healthy.

 

NBA Twitter reacts to Stephen Curry’s clutch 3-point shootout win

NBA Twitter reacts to a wild 3-point shootout

As one of the greatest shooters of all-time in Stephen Curry stepped up to the final rack needing to make four out of five threes to beat Utah Jazz star Mike Conley, you almost knew it was already over.

The 3-point shootout was arguably the highlight of last night’s NBA All-Star festivities, with Curry nailing a money ball with his final shot that gave him a one-point win over Conley. Naturally, the clutch gene that the Warriors NBA All-Star showed off set NBA Twitter off in both good ways and, well, interesting ways.

Here is a look at some of the best reactions to Curry’s heroics:

NBA Twitter reacts to Kelly Oubre’s career-high 40 points in Golden State’s win over Dallas

The NBA world reacts to a career-best 40 points for Kelly Oubre.

Golden State Warriors guard Kelly Oubre Jr. made the NBA community forget about his slow start in Golden State, at least for tonight. In nearly every statistical category, the 2020-2021 season has been a struggle for the first-year Warrior. Perhaps no area of the 6-foot-7 scorer’s game has been more of a letdown than his perimeter shooting through 21 games in the Bay Area.

Any of those letdowns were momentarily tossed out the window in Golden State’s 147-116 win over Dallas that lifted the Warriors to 12-10 on the year.

Oubre led the Warriors with a career-night, going 7-10 from beyond the arc to finish with 40 points. He ended up a scorching 14-21 from the field and scored more points than in his three previous games combined. Most importantly, the sixth-year pro’s efforts propelled the Warriors to a massive western conference road win against a Dallas team that was firmly expected to be in the playoff picture. The 40-piece is a career-best for the Kansas product, and drew reaction from all across the association on social media.

Here is a look at what the NBA community thought of a career-high night for the Warriors swingman:

Quarantine Update: How are the Warriors staying busy with the NBA season on hold?

It’s time to check in on a trio of members from the Golden State Warriors during the NBA hiatus.

After over three weeks without a basketball game, players from around the league are finding new and creative ways to fill their time. Members from the Golden State Warriors have been checking in on social media to update how they’ve been spending their time in quarantine.

Peloton bike rides, video games, interactive fan Q&A sessions and music are just some of the options players from the Warriors have chosen to take up their time.

Take a look below to see what a few members of the Warriors have been up to during the NBA hiatus.

Stephen Curry

Golden State’s two-time Most Valuable Player has been active since game action was stopped in early March. During the NBA shut down, Curry displayed a new project he’s been working on with a well-renowned comedian.

Before the NBA season was suspended, the six-time All-Star linked up with Kevin Hart for his first-ever vlogging experience. The movie star provided Curry with tips and tricks during his debut vlog.

Along with vlogger, Curry can add substitute teacher to his list of many titles. When he was hosting a pop quiz with fellow NBA players on Instagram, Curry mentioned he’s been serving as a teacher’s assistant for his daughter’s second-grade class.

Eric Paschall

After participating in a Q&A of his own, Golden State’s rookie is turning to music.

The Villanova product was asking his followers where he can find a music production center. An “MPC” is a device that provides a variety of sounds to make beats for different types of music.

On Sunday night, Eric Paschall tweeted he was “about to pick up a new hobby!”

Ky Bowman

Another Golden State rookie is showing off his talent away from the court. With no basketball on the schedule, Ky Bowman has picked up the pen and paper.

On Saturday, Bowman tweeted about his poetry.

When the former two-way point guard isn’t busy with poetry, you can catch him streaming his video game talent on Twitch. Bowman tweeted about his expertise for the famous fighting game Tekken.

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73-win season voted greatest Warriors record by fans in NBA bracketology

In a fan vote, Golden State’s 73-9 regular season from 2015-16 edged out other accomplishments as the best record in Warriors’ history.

Over the past five seasons, the Golden State Warriors have brought a bevy of awards back home to the Bay Area. To help decide the top accomplishment in their history, the Warriors released a bracket of 16 moments for fans to vote between individual and team records.

After days of voting, “Warriors Bracketology” was narrowed down to the final four:

-The 73-win season — Most regular-season wins (2015-16)
-Klay Thompson’s 37-point quarter vs. the Sacramento Kings — Most points in a quarter (2014-15)
-16-1 in playoffs — Best postseason winning percentage (2016-17)
-Stephen Curry’s 402 3-pointers — Most 3-pointers in a season (2015-16)

In the finals, Golden State’s 73-9 season edged out Curry’s 402 makes from beyond the arc.

Via @warriors on Twitter:

Although the 2015-16 season did not result in a championship for Steve Kerr and company, The Warriors’ 73 wins provided a bevy of memorable moments.

After winning the scoring title with a barrage of long-distance shots, Curry was named Most Valuable Player for the second straight season. Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were all named to the All-Star game in Toronto.

Golden State opened the season with 24 straight wins, the best start in NBA history. The final victory of their streak came in a double-overtime thriller against the Boston Celtics.

Another defining moment came in February when the Warriors traveled to Oklahoma City. With less than a second left in overtime, Curry drilled a game-winning heave from just inside half court. His now-famous “bang” shot was his 12th 3-pointer of the contest, breaking the record for most in a single game.

Despite some late-season fumble, the Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in the final game of the season to break the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls record for most regular-season wins.

Adding another award to their historic 73-win season, the 2015-16 Warriors are bracketology champions.

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Report: NBA working to host H-O-R-S-E competition with ‘high-profile players’

With no games on the schedule, seeing Stephen Curry participate in a H-O-R-S-E competition might be the next best thing.

After three weeks of no basketball, the NBA is getting creative with finding ways to produce content during the shutdown. Taking part in interactive social media sessions with fans, along with watching games from the past have served as outlets for players with no games on the schedule.

To help fix basketball cravings, the league launched a nationally televised players-only NBA 2K Tournament. Another form of hoops could be coming soon that involves a classic basketball challenge.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, The NBA is working on bringing an edition of the game H-O-R-S-E to television that includes “several high-profile players.”

Via @wojespn on Twitter:

Players would use home gyms to compete in the classic playground basketball game, according to Wojnarowski.

Discussions have been ongoing among the NBA, NBPA and ESPN about a competition among several players in isolation — presumably using home gyms — that would include them competing shot for shot in the traditional playground game, sources said.

With the Warriors not having a current representative in the league’s 2K tournament, the H-O-R-S-E contest could be the chance to see a member from Golden State competing in a form of basketball.

While it may not be the same as live-game action, seeing Stephen Curry show off his supreme long-distance shooting in a game of H-O-R-S-E might be the next best thing.

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Today in Warriors History: Trio of All-Stars link up for 82 points vs. Trail Blazers in 2016

On April 3, 2016, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson combined for a classic performance against the Trail Blazers.

The NBA season has been suspended for three weeks. Yet, it’s been even longer since Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson suited up as a unit.

Since dropping the 2019 NBA Finals to the Toronto Raptors, injuries have limited Curry, Thompson and Green’s time on the court together.

With the NBA season on hold, Warriors Wire is looking back into signature performances from Curry, Green and Thompson. On April 3, 2016, the Golden State Warriors’ core of All-Stars were clicking on all cylinders.

April 3, 2016

With only five games left in the season, the Warriors were closing in on NBA record for most wins in the regular season. While Golden State was chasing history, the Portland Trail Blazers were fighting for playoff position.

In his hometown arena, Damian Lillard dropped 38 points — his third-highest scoring total of the 2015-16 season. However, it wasn’t enough against the Warriors.

Curry matched Lillard with 39 points on 13-of-21 shooting from the field. The reigning Most Valuable Player nailed nine 3-pointers in Golden State’s victory over the Trail Blazers.

While Curry produced an electric night from beyond the arc, Green filled the rest of the stat sheet. The Michigan State product recorded his 13th triple-double of the season with 22 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

With Thompson’s 21 points, Golden State’s trio tallied 82 of the Warriors 136 points.

Watch highlights from the Warriors 136-111 win against the Blazers from 2016 via YouTube:

Quarantine Update: checking in on the Warriors during the NBA hiatus

With no games on the calendar, members of the Golden State Warriors are getting creative when trying to find ways to fill their time.

It’s been nearly three weeks since the Golden State Warriors hosted Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center in San Francisco. Since the Warriors 131-107 loss to the Clippers, the NBA has suspended play due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During the NBA hiatus, members of the Warriors are getting creative when it comes to finding ways to fill their time. Video games, social media and Q&A segments have been popular options for players without basketball on the calendar.

Take a look below to see what some of the Warriors have been up to since game action has been put on hold.

Stephen Curry

Golden State’s point guard has been busy during the NBA’s hiatus. Stephen Curry has advocated for social distancing along with setting up a meal donation plan through his foundation for out of school children.

The two-time Most Valuable Player set up an interactive Q&A with infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci. Curry and Fauci spent around 30 minutes discussing details about COVID-19.

Watch Curry’s conversation with Fauci on YouTube:

 

Klay Thompson

Curry’s fellow Splash Brother has been relatively quiet on social media. However, Klay Thompson did send a message in support of health care professionals.

The three-time All-Star thanked first responders, nurses, doctors and hospital staff for “their tireless efforts.”

Via @KlayThompson on Twitter:

Draymond Green

With no hoops on the docket, Draymond Green has been soaking up some music. On social media, the former Defensive Player of the Year had high praise for hip-hop artist Travis Scott. Green has been digging deep into the Cactus Jack catalog.

Via @Money23Green on Twitter:

Marquese Chriss

Taking in NBA film from the past has been a popular outlet for not only avid basketball fans, but players. After watching a mixtape of Markelle Fultz from the Orlando Magic, Marquese Chriss showed love for his fellow Washington Husky product.

Via @quese on Twitter:

Eric Paschall & Juan Toscano-Anderson

A pair of Warriors held separate Q&A sessions with fans on Twitter during the NBA shutdown. Eric Paschall and Juan Toscano-Anderson answered a bevy of questions that included things about the 2019-20 season, their top-five favorite players of all-time and more.

Via @warriors on Twitter:

Via @juanonjuan10 on Twitter:

Steve Kerr and Warriors coaching staff doing homework on upcoming free agents

Steve Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff are working on a project for the summer during the NBA’s coronavirus hiatus.

With the worst record in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are already looking ahead to the 2020-21 season. With a 15-50 record, the Warriors will be in line for a top prospect at the start of the NBA draft lottery for the first time in years.

After the draft, Golden State will need to make some additions in free agency to get back to the playoffs. While the Warriors salary cap is tight for the future, the team holds a pair of exceptions to play with during the offseason.

While the NBA is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, Steve Kerr and his coaching staff are preparing for the summer.

On Thursday, Kerr shared Golden State’s free-agent homework assignment on KNBR 680 in San Francisco.

Via Tolbert, Krueger and Brooks on KNBR:

We just put our entire coaching staff on a project in the last couple of days. There’s about 60 free agents out there on our list for this summer. And so we divided up all the free agents, and we’re having all of our assistant coaches put a scouting report together on why free agent x would be a good or a bad fit for the Warriors. Every coach has four guys to watch. Everyone’s got games on their computers. Everyone’s got a chance to watch games and really focus in on one guy, which is interesting. You think you know players because you’ve seen them play for years, but until you really watch them and just only watch them during a game, sometimes you miss a lot of stuff. So, it’s kind of fun to watch a game specifically with the intention of just focusing on one guy and seeing really how intense he is on boxing out or making the right pass, making the right cut, that kind of stuff.

Next season, Golden State should have a healthy combination of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green — plus a high draft pick. Mixing in newcomers like Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss gives the Warriors a formidable roster on paper.

How the front office navigates through free agency will be a factor in the Warriors run back to the playoffs.

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