When I was a kid, I used to imagine playoff matchups in my head and act like I was playing in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, like every kid dreams of. Now, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers get to live out their dreams, and only one will be the victor. Theres 2 sides to this epic battle, the Cleveland Cavaliers have the chance to make history, becoming the only team to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win an NBA championship. The Golden State Warriors have the ability to cement their legacies as the greatest team ever assembled, and with so much at stake for the Warriors, former Finals MVP Andre Igoudala knows the pressure at hand.
Iguodala hasn’t had the same MVP performance he had last year against the Cavaliers, averaging only 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, compared to the 16 points he averaged in 2015, but has still been a catalyst for the Warriors. In terms of defensive schemes, he’s the one in charge of defending LeBron James for a majority of the time, so his health is very important. Like a lot of NBA players who are still playing basketball late in June, injuries and health will always be an issue, and for Andre Igoudala his back has hindered his performance, even causing him to leave the game, late in Game 6. After he came back, he seemed to limp all over the floor and not having the same effect he had on the game as he had before.
That being said, Iguodala will be ‘ready to go’ according to CSN Warriors Sideliner Rosalyn Gold-Onwude:
Andre Iguodala did not practice today and got treatment instead. Said:
“I’ll be ready to go (Game 7) whether perfectly fine or not”.— Rosalyn Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) June 18, 2016
Andre Iguodala told me left Game 6 because his back locked up on him. Had to “release it”.Said caused by perfect storm of travel/wear & tear
— Rosalyn Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) June 18, 2016
Iguodala didn’t notice a change in how LeBron attacked or ISOs when he returned to game. Said less affected on D,more on O w/ lift on jumper
— Rosalyn Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) June 18, 2016
As an NBA player, you will do whatever it takes to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The very select few players that ever get to play in a game 7 in the NBA Finals, cherish the moment for the rest of their careers, just ask LeBron James. Iguodala is ready to go and the Warriors will need him and the rest of their supporting cast if they want to stop the huge momentum shift that has happened in the series.
