Andre Iguodala’s unique game is finally getting the recognition it deserves!
Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala was named MVP of the NBA Finals following the Warriors’clinching a 105-97 win against Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, to become the first player to receive the honor without starting every game.
This is also the first time that the Finals MVP has been on the same team as the regular-season MVP (Stephen Curry) since Magic Johnson claimed the Finals honor in 1980 while playing on a Los Angeles Lakers squad with regular-season MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
“This has been a long ride,” Iguodala said. “It’s been a great season.”
“He was great the entire series. But he saved this season for us,” Warriors forward Draymond Green said.
“I always say Andre’s a pro’s pro. He’s a professional guy, and it showed, and that’s why he’s the MVP of this series, and that’s why we’re champions.”
Iguodala finished the series with averages of 16.3 points, 4 assists and 5.8 rebounds. In Game 6, he scored 25 points and added 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
“My mind was working so many ways,” Iguodala said. “Like, ‘What’s going to happen if you win? What’s going to happen if you lose? How do you approach the game starting? Do you come out firing? Do you let it just come to you?’
“For me, it was just playing my game. If you’re feeling it, shoot it. If you feel like you can make a play for somebody else, make a play for somebody else.”
Iguodala also had the responsibility of guarding LeBron James, just as 2014 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard did. When Iguodala was on the floor, James shot 38.1 percent from the field.
“It’s never one-on-one, but I think his ability to play multiple positions for their team along with some of those other guys allowed their team to be so dynamic,” James said.
Source: ESPN