Golden State forward Andre Iguodala will miss Game 1 of the NBA Finals 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 Thursday to handle the load that is
James
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”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 Game 1. We’ve got lots of guys who can take on that job. It’s a group
effort, anyway, guarding LeBron. So
Youth Dontae Johnson Jersey , KD (Kevin Durant), 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
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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, though his patience is tested. He has sought multiple opinions for the
injury.
”Just trying to figure out how to move in general,” Iguodala said. ”But making some progress. Slower than we expected but we’re just being
realistic.”
Kevon Looney has been starting in Iguodala’s place.
Looney planned to talk to Iguodala about the task of guarding James.
”I’ll pick his brain about some things … some tendencies of LeBron, the fact of the switches or small things like that to help me out,” Looney said. ”He’s
one of the best defenders in the league.”
That’s why 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 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
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”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
D.J. Fluker Jersey Seahawks , his ability to read and react to the ball either in flight or while you’re dribbling or when you pick the ball up.”
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