Andre Iguodala came up huge for the Warriors to win the title
By Derek Tahara
The Golden State Warriors were able to pull off their second championship in three years, thanks in part to the efforts of Andre Iguodala.
The Golden State Warriors clinched their second title in three years at Oracle Arena last night beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals.
Although the Warriors two MVPs, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry will get most of the headlines, Andre Iguodala, the 2015 Finals MVP should receive a heap of praise as well for how he played in a closeout game.
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The two-time NBA Champion contributed a 2015 Finals MVP-esque performance scoring 20 points on 9-of-14 from the field, three assists, three rebounds, one turnover and +18 in 38 minutes. People will look at Iguodala’s offensive production in this game, but it was his defense as well that helped provide the spark that the Warriors needed to close out the Cavaliers in five games.
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Iguodala guarded everyone from Richard Jefferson to Kyrie Irving to LeBron James. He was mainly tasked with the assignments of slowing down the Cavs’ superstars, Irving and James. There were several instances from Game 5 that Iguodala showed his value to this Warriors juggernaut on defense. He would switch on Irving staying with his every little dribble and shake by using his length. He would take his turn guarding James trying to stand his ground and his basketball IQ to try to anticipate what his next move would be.
Now, just as Iguodala’s defensive presence on the floor was important to the Warriors clinching the title at Oracle Arena was his offensive production. With star guard Klay Thompson struggling to find his shot for the second consecutive game, Iguodala stepped up to help save the Warriors from having to fly back to Cleveland for a potential Game 6.
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Thompson was not himself on the offensive end scoring 11 points on 4-of-13, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, so it is a great thing for the Warriors that Iguodala had the offensive game that he had.
Iguodala’s contract is up this summer. If I were Bob Myers, I would do everything in my power to retain the 2015 Finals MVP.