Breaking: Controversy erupts as Oklahoma City Thunders’ fans are divided over Aaron Wiggins seeking a $90 million pay rise that would pay him more than…..

It began as a lighthearted joke spanning NBA Twitter and much beyond, but last night for the Thunder it became real. Aaron Wiggins rescued basketball. At least he preserved Oklahoma City’s winning run and figured out how to prevail in front of a packed house.

Wiggins signed a 5-year, $47-million contract to remain with the Thunder this offseason, and every game he plays like the one he had on Friday night seems like a steal. In 24 minutes he scored 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. From the floor, he sank 7-of- 9 and from the 3-point line, 4-of- 6. The fourth quarter saw most of his efforts done since the Thunder most needed it. He had 4-of- 4 from 3-point range and 15 points on 5-of- 5 in the last quarter by alone.

For the Thunder, it was among the most outstanding bench efforts of recent memory, and finally it raised OKC above the Knicks. The difference in the game was the bench squad, run under Wiggins. The bench of Oklahoma City outscored New York’s 44-5 all through the game.

It is clear over the past two weeks that Wiggins shines with more minutes. Once he gets his rhythm in the game, the Thunder has a fantastic offensive attacker. His output usually increases as his minutes run out as well.

Four of the past five bouts have seen Wiggins surpass twenty minutes. In that time, he averages 15.2 points. He has played less than twenty minutes in half of the last ten games. Wiggins averages just 3.8 points throughout the five games in which he falls short of twenty minutes.

Wiggins clearly influences this team when he is playing major minutes off the bench. Oklahoma City needs his offense badly certain evenings. He must establish consistency going forward and offer his all on defense every single night. On this Thunder team, he is really vital, and it seems like he is beginning to see this.