SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors will probably be with no key veteran in Sport 2 of the NBA Finals Sunday evening as they appear to rebound from a disappointing series-opening loss to the Celtics.
After initially being listed on the crew’s harm report as questionable with a left cervical disc harm, Andre Iguodala was downgraded to out with proper knee irritation about 2 1/2 hours earlier than tip-off.
Coach Steve Kerr mentioned Iguodala’s knee swelled up after apply Saturday afternoon and he’ll be day-to-day going ahead.
Iguodala returned to the courtroom from an prolonged absence as a consequence of a neck harm in Sport 1 of the NBA Finals. He performed 12 minutes within the loss to the Celtics, scoring seven factors on 3-of-4 capturing. Primarily working because the Warriors’ ball-handler when he performed, Iguodala tallied three assists with just one turnover, although he did commit three fouls.
Iguodala wasn’t the one participant on the Warriors harm record forward of Sport 2. Otto Porter Jr. (proper foot) and Gary Payton II (left elbow) had been each reported to be questionable for Sunday evening’s recreation.
Porter performed 23 minutes off the bench in Sport 1, scoring 12 factors and grabbing 4 rebounds.
Payton didn’t play in any respect as a result of Kerr didn’t imagine he was prepared.
“I didn’t really feel snug in Sport 1 enjoying him as a result of it didn’t seem that he was wholesome sufficient to play,” Kerr mentioned. “He was cleared to play, which meant there was an understanding with the coaching workers with Gary [he could be available for] particular circumstances, we'd like one cease on the finish of the sport, on the finish of 1 / 4, play him. Nevertheless it’s actually been a day-to-day factor, and he’s made some enchancment the final couple of days and I anticipate getting him on the market tonight.”
Payton mentioned Saturday he may “play all 48 minutes if wanted to,” however is simply ready for the decision from Kerr to place him in.
“It’s irritating, however coach will name me on the proper time, so I’m going to be prepared for him and my teammates and go on the market and make a distinction,” he mentioned.
Payton, the Warriors defensive ace, could possibly be an choice to fill Iguodala’s rotation spot. Golden State may additionally flip to both of their rookies, Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody, in that spot.
Iguodala, 38, was restricted to simply 31 regular-season video games as he handled knee, hip and again points. Sunday will probably be his 14th recreation of the playoffs he’ll watch from the bench in avenue garments. Iguodala beforehand missed greater than a month as he handled a lingering neck situation.
He performed in Sport 1 of the primary spherical in opposition to Denver, sat out Sport 2, performed in each Video games 3 and 4 in Denver and was out for Sport 5 and the remainder of the Western Convention playoffs.
Iguodala had been talking in jest about his harm standing within the run-up, saying on Wednesday that he’s “simply attempting to complete the season strolling on two toes. If I try this, it’s a profitable season.”