Andre Iguodala didn’t score in his return, but Warriors felt his impact

Steph Curry’s anticipated return to the court was heard loud and clear. Andre Iguodala’s longawaited return wasn’t as loud, but his impact was pretty clear.

Iguodala scored no points but was a plus11 in 15 minutes of the Warriors’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, second best to Anthony Lamb’s plus-17. As has been typical of Iguodala’s Warriors career, a lot of his highlight plays are subtle.

“Every time Andre is on the floor you’re going to get positive results,” Draymond Green told reporters. “That’s who he’s been his entire career and especially his years here. he understand the game a a totally different level than most. To have him out there with his IQ, he didn’t score, but his game has never been predicated on if he scores or not.”

Iguodala had played just three games this year in mid-january, sandwiched by two months-long injury management absences. But his impact was immediately felt upon entering the second quarter of Sunday’s game, helping flip a 17-point deficit to start the second quarter into a one-point deficit by the time he subbed out with under six minutes remaining in the half. contributed to their lategame execution issues this season, and Iguodala raises the collective IQ when he’s on the floor, ensuring his teammates are in the right place on both ends along with his passing and individual defense.

If Iguodala can stay healthy enough to play down the stretch is the big question.

His return on Sunday came as somewhat of a surprise.

Not because Iguodala wasn’t expected to return this year, but because details of his months-long absences and health have been mostly hidden from public consumption.

When head coach Steve Kerr was asked about Iguodala’s potential return after a scrimmage with Curry last week, he deferred to Iguodala himself: “I’d recommend listening to his podcast.” Iguodala announced in January on his podcast that he’d make his season debut. Ask about his plans to play, Iguodala rarely gives a straight answer — it’s part of his charm.

Andre has been “champing at the bit” to get back out and play, Curry said after the game. With the Warriors clinging onto the Western Conference’s fifth-seed, hoping to keep their toes out of the play-in tournament, the team can only hope Iguodala’s return this time lasts.