Golden State Warriors: 10 Keys To Winning Game 7
4. Iggy’s Back
Through the first four games of the series, the narrative was that LeBron James wasn’t doing enough on offense — despite his 24.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.8 blocks per game — and that Andre Iguodala was cruising toward back-to-back Finals MVP honors.
Two games later, the Warriors have been devastated by LeBron entering Terminator mode, averaging 41.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 3.5 steals and 3.0 blocks on .561/.500/.688 shooting splits. For the Dubs to have any chance in Game 7, they’ll need one more virtuoso defensive performance from Iggy.
Andre Iguodala did not practice today and got treatment instead. Said:
— Ros Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) June 18, 2016
"I'll be ready to go (Game 7) whether perfectly fine or not".
In Game 5, it was understandable to see LeBron go off, especially without Draymond Green’s rim protection on the back lines. But with that confidence and the comfort of being back on his home floor, King James did it again in Game 6, and to make matters even worse, Iguodala’s back reduced him to a stiffer, jump-less version of himself.
Iguodala is expected to play Game 7 and isn’t making any excuses for himself. But if he’s unable to slow James down in yet another elimination game, things could get very interesting, even with home-court advantage.
If Iggy and the other defenders the Warriors throw at LeBron can get the ball out of his hands, force him to miss at the rim and somehow get him to cool down on the perimeter looks he’s been draining the last two games, they should take Game 7 handily.
But if Iguodala’s back is a hindrance, the Dubs will be running low on answers for an all-time great player putting together the defining series of his already iconic career.
Next: No. 3