Andre Iguodala’s Legs Crucial to Championship Aspirations
I’m not going to draw this out with super elaborate highbrow, intellectual language: Andre Iguodala was ballin’ in the Warriors’ 114-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
He wasn’t just balling, he was straight up ballin’. Iguodala scored a season high 21 points, added six assists, came away with three steals, and provided highlight after highlight, electrifying Oracle Arena.
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By now, everyone knows about the sacrifice Iguodala has made: former All-Star moving to the bench to make room for a young forward coming off a sophomore slump. At times throughout the season, Iguodala has struggled, particularly on the offensive end as he’s had to lead a second unit with no consistent outside threat. In the half court, this can become problematic. But once he gets into a fast paced, full-court game, Iguodala is fun to watch.
The only thought that came to mind when I saw these dunks is “vintage Andre.” He looked good against Atlanta. He looked like the All-Star he was once was. At this point in the season, tired legs slow down everyone, especially veterans like Iguodala. Steve Kerr knows a thing or two about keeping his players fresh and has rested Iguodala several times over the last few weeks. A couple of DNPs and No. 9 looks like he’s 28 years old again.
Iguodala has figured it out. He’s playing some of his best, most energetic basketball of the season and, possibly, of his Warriors career. He’s figured out his role and what the team needs him to do in order to win: a little bit of everything. Iguodala is an extremely gifted and special player. He’s driving the ball with purpose, scoring at an efficient rate (70.5% from the field in his last 5 games), making plays, and defending at a high level.
Mar 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard
Andre Iguodala(9) smiles after a timeout against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 104-89. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Iguodala is as important to Golden State’s championship aspirations as anyone not named Stephen Curry or Draymond Green. The second unit will go as far as his legs will take them. Though Leandro Barbosa has improved, the bench’s outside shooting leaves something to be desired. In a full court game, though, Iguodala can excel.
A career low minutes (27.1) mixed in with some timely DNPs has preserved Iguodala’s legs. He looks quicker and fresher than he did even at the beginning of the season. It allows him to do what he does best and run on the break with the young Splash Brothers and when that gets cut off, he can drive down the lane and slam it down. As the game slows down, Iguodala is speeding up.
The Warriors are going to need this type of play to continue as a first round date with Kevin Durant is looking more and more like a possibility. Kerr has managed Iguodala’s role, minutes, and lineups to near perfection throughout the season. He’s faced with a tough decision that gets tougher and tougher with every corner three and dunk: should Iguodala return to the starting lineup in the postseason?
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