Warriors have more clarity on Iguodala’s left calf injury
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Warriors might feel good about their chances to close out the Western Conference finals against the Portland Trail Blazers. They are less certain about whether veteran Andre Iguodala will help that cause.
On Sunday, the Warriors listed Iguodala as questionable for Game 4 despite a clean MRI on the left calf limited him to 18 minutes in Game 3 Saturday. While the Warriors have a film session and optional workouts for the team’s young players on Sunday, Iguodala will receive treatment in hopes to heal quickly.
“Same mentality. Injuries are part of the game, but we have guys who are capable and can step up,” Stephen Curry said. “We’ve been here before. Guys that are out on the floor know how to play, know how to win and know how to make winning plays and aren’t afraid of anything. Over the course of the regular season, we talked about everyone would have an opportunity to impact us winning a championship. This series has been a true testament to that.”
The Warriors have a 3-0 series lead against Portland and have won five consecutive playoff games ever since Kevin Durant strained his right calf in the third quarter of the Warriors’ eventual win over the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors have also absorbed nearly a month-long absence to Demarcus Cousins, who has been sidelined with a torn left quadricep muscle since the beginning of Game 2 of the Warriors’ firstround series against the Los Angeles Clippers. And now the Warriors might be without Iguodala, who has excelled as a starter since the Western Conference semifinals with defense and playmaking.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said it is unclear when Iguodala hurt his left calf, but he exited the game with 7:50 left in the game. Iguodala, 35, appeared in a good mood afterwards and did not walk with a noticeable limp, but he has missed a combined 11 games this season for minor ailments. Kerr sounded more definitive on Iguodala’s replacement, though.