Iguodala out; Love’s status unclear
2015 Finals MVP to miss Game 1; Cavaliers All-Star still in concussion protocol
OAKLAND, CALIF. — Golden State forward Andre Iguodala will miss Game1of the NBA Finals tonight as he recovers from a bone bruise in his left knee that cost him the last four games of the Western Conference finals.
Iguodala’s absence is a huge blow to the Warriors’ defense as it works to stop LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Golden State coach Steve Kerr said several players will be called upon to handle the load that is James, making his eighth straight Finals appearance.
“He was MVP of the series in 2015, largely because he took that role on of guarding LeBron. But also because of what he did offensively,” Kerr said. “He’s doing a little bit better today. Some encouraging signs, but we have ruled him out for Game1. We’ve got lots of guys who can take on that job. It’s a group effort, anyway guarding LeBron. So, KD, Draymond [Green], Klay [Thompson], Shaun Livingston, they’ll all see time on him.”
The Warriors said Iguodala, who was injured in Game 3 against the Rockets on May 20, was evaluated Tuesday and is making progress but still has the bruise and inflammation of the nerve surrounding his knee. Kerr has said Iguodala wouldn’t play until he can run without pain. He will be re-evaluated ahead of Sunday’s Game 2.
Iguodala said he doesn’t have any doubts he will be able to return during the Finals.
“Just trying to figure out how to move in general,” Iguodala said. “But making some progress. Slower than we expected but if you’re just being realistic it is what it is and it’ll be the time, if not longer.”
Kevon Looney has been starting in Iguodala’s place.
Everybody on the Warriors realizes it will be a joint effort guarding James.
“What he brings to us on the defensive end will definitely be missed,” Green said. “But it just means other guys have got to step up. Other guys have done that thus far. The task gets even harder but I know guys will and it will be a collective effort in hopes The Warriors’ Andre Iguodala, answering questions Wednesday, is recovering from a bone bruise in his left knee that cost him the last four games of the Western Conference finals. that we keep trekking along until he’s ready to come back.”
Forward Kevin Love’s status for Cleveland remained unclear as he continues to go through the NBA’s concussion protocol. Love was injured in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston that the Cavs pulled out in seven. He wasn’t scheduled to attend media day Wednesday at Oracle Arena, where the Warriors host the series opener in the fourth straight Finals meeting between the rivals.
“He’s going to go do some things today and see how he feels,” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. “But he is in the protocol still, so we’ll see how he feels.”
Both teams practiced Wednesday on Golden State’s home floor, where the defending champions have won 17 of their last 18 postseason games.
James certainly understands what the Warriors are missing without Iguodala’s presence and athleticism.
“First of all he has very, very quick hands,” James said. “That doesn’t get talked about a lot, his ability to read and react to the ball either in flight or while you’re dribbling or when you pick the ball up.”
The matchup
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (50-32, 12-6) vs. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (58-24, 12-5) Season series: Warriors, 2-0 Story line: The fourth consecutive Cavaliers-Warriors matchup in the NBA Finals, the eighth straight trip to the title series for Cleveland star LeBron James, and once again it’s Golden State that arrives as the overwhelming favorite. Both teams needed to survive Game 7s on the road to win their conference championships, winning those clinchers in shorthanded fashion — no Andre Iguodala for Golden State, no Kevin Love for Cleveland. James will either become the 39th player with four NBA championships, or the third to lose the title series six times. How they got here: Cleveland beat No. 5 seed Indiana 4-3, No. 1 Toronto 4-0 and No. 2 Boston 4-3 for the Eastern Conference title. Golden State beat No. 7 San Antonio 4-1, No. 6 New Orleans 4-1 and No. 1 Houston 4-3 for the Western Conference title. Key matchup: Golden State’s Klay Thompson vs. Cleveland’s J.R. Smith. It’s safe to expect James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to be spectacular in this series. The Warriors have more firepower than the Cavs, but they’re only great when firing on all cylinders. Smith needs to take every last bit of available space away from the ultra-quick-releasing Thompson and not let him get shots off. Should he succeed, that’s a big edge for the Cavs. How the Cavaliers can win: James being spectacular is a prerequisite, and Cleveland needs to bring the same defensive effort that carried the Cavs in the Game 7 win at Boston. From there, Cleveland needs to do what Houston did against Golden State — force turnovers and attack the offensive glass. How the Warriors can win: Take care of the basketball. Do that, and they will be fine. Don’t do that, and they’re asking for trouble. Prediction: Warriors in 5. — Tim Reynolds, Associated Press