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Golden State Warriors: Iguodala is, and will continue to be, the team’s X-Factor

By Nathan Beighle

PORTLAND, OR - MAY 18: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors looks for the jump ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MAY 18: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors looks for the jump ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors need veteran Andre Iguodala to shine. His absence in Game 1 almost single-handedly devasted them.

Sadly, by absence, we mean that Andre Iguodala was virtually a ghost in the 25+ minutes. The Golden State Warriors must have him contribute to some extent for them to win, especially with Durant still sidelined.

Iguodala ended the game with 29:11 on the timesheet and just six points in the scoring column, his fifth-worst total this postseason. The only non-Portland game in which Iggy scored under five was against the LA Clippers, in one of two Golden State losses in the opening series.

The Warriors are 7-1 this postseason when Iggy notches at least ten points. They’re also 4-1 when the 15-year veteran drills at least two threes.

At least in Game 1, one huge difference was Iguodala missing his wide-open threes.

Iguodala being on fire against the Rockets from deep was one huge reason the Dubs closed it out in six. Iggy shot 48% from deep on 4.2 shots per game. In Game 1, he was 0-for-4 from deep, all either open or wide-open attempts.

That’s the Raptors gameplan as well.

He worked right into how they wanted to defend Golden State. Both Draymond and Iggy helped the Raptors defensive thrive. They combined to go 0-for-6 from deep. This was a huge development throughout the game and certainly swayed the direction of this game.

For Green, he does a bit of everything on the offensive end and hasn’t consistently found his shot. As for Iggy, they must get more. His abilities on the defensive end will always allow him a spot on the court for significant, volume minutes, but in order to truly be impactful, he must shoot better.

Iggy’s play has been the main X-factor for Golden State. Curry and Klay will always dominate to some extent, but the role players must step up, and from behind the arc, it’s mainly Iggy who must do better.

The one shining stat was Iggy’s seven assists. He was active in the offense, but he didn’t step up when it mattered the most. That must change in Game 2, and his three-point shot will change the game.

Next. Warriors Film Breakdown: 3 Plays that defined Game 1. dark

The only question is who will benefit from it?

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