SAN FRANCISCO — Andre Iguodala wouldn’t tip his hand earlier than apply Tuesday as as to whether he’ll play in Sport 3 of the NBA Finals.
“We’ll see,” he mentioned when requested about his availability for Wednesday’s sport towards the Celtics.
Coach Steve Kerr mentioned the veteran wing is “questionable” however didn’t disclose additional particulars into Iguodala’s situation.
Iguodala wasn’t on the courtroom firstly of Tuesday’s apply when different gamers trickled in to shoot. He sat out the Warriors’ blowout Sport 2 win Sunday evening resulting from swelling in his proper knee which flared up at some point prior. Kerr beforehand mentioned the 38-year-old was day-to-day.
Requested how he was feeling Tuesday, Iguodala responded, “I’m alive.”
After being restricted to simply 31 regular-season video games as he handled knee, hip and again points, Iguodala has as soon as once more discovered himself on the Warriors’ damage checklist this postseason, lacking 13 playoff video games resulting from a left cervical disc challenge in his neck earlier than his newest knee damage.
He returned to the rotation in Sport 1 of the NBA Finals and performed 12 minutes within the loss to the Celtics, scoring seven factors on 3-of-4 taking pictures. Primarily working because the Warriors’ ball-handler when he performed, Iguodala tallied three assists with just one turnover, although he did commit three fouls.
Earlier than his NBA Finals return, Iguodala performed in Sport 1 of the primary spherical towards 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 damage standing within the run-up for the sequence towards the Celtics, saying final week that he’s “simply attempting to complete the season strolling on two toes. If I do this, it’s a profitable season.”
Even when he’s not obtainable, Iguodala, along with his 18 years of NBA expertise, nonetheless serves a priceless position for the workforce, working nearly as one other coach as he mentors the youthful gamers who're navigating their first title run.
Why the Bay Space loves GP2
Gary Payton II was met with a powerful ovation when he entered within the first quarter of Sport 2 of the NBA Finals Sunday evening for the primary time since he broke his elbow within the Western Convention semifinals.
It was a surreal second for Payton, a participant who has bounced across the league for the final 5 years earlier than discovering a house with the Warriors this season. However his teammates additionally had been ecstatic to see Payton obtain such a heat welcome from the Warriors fanbase.
Why is it that Payton is so beloved by the Bay Space?
For Jordan Poole, it’s the power Payton brings every evening in how arduous he performs.
“Particularly within the Bay Space, we actually settle for that and we embrace that,” Poole mentioned. “They only embrace him for the way in which that he performs and who he's as an individual, and he makes it fairly simple to do.”
Payton’s athleticism and tenacity as a defender may very well be a distinction maker for the Warriors towards the Celtics, who’s been the league’s finest protection because the calendar flipped to the brand new yr. Payton took turns primarily guarding Jayson Tatum and Derrick White.
“GP on the courtroom, he impacts the sport in so some ways as a result of he’s able to guarding 1 by way of 3,” Andrew Wiggins mentioned. “He could make it depressing for lots of people. Him on the courtroom is an enormous distinction for us.”
Meals for thought
On an inventory of the issues Bostonians love most, Dunkin’ Donuts must be close to the highest.
However no, Iguodala didn't make Kevon Looney go on a doughnut run Tuesday morning.
“Now Andre is on his well being kick, so he don’t need no one consuming unhealthy,” Looney mentioned.
Looney beforehand joked that the very first thing Iguodala ever informed him was to “go get me some donuts.”
However Iguodala’s tone has modified as he’s aged. Now when he’s not advising gamers on what in-game changes should be made, Iguodala is providing enterprise counseling.
“He’s undoubtedly giving lots of recommendation on – what I ought to say – learn how to earn a living, ensure guys lower your expenses, ensure the rookies ain’t spending all of it too quick,” Looney mentioned. “That’s been his largest factor, he’s been telling guys how to do this now.”