“Disrespectful:” that is the quote from Stephen Curry regarding the Toronto Raptors‘ decision to leave Andre Iguodala unguarded on the Warriors‘ final play of the contest during Game two of the NBA Finals on Sunday.
What was an eight-point game with 1:08 left in the fourth quarter suddenly became cut to just two points with 26 seconds left to play in regulation. The Warriors, already down 1-0 in the series, now had to win the game without both Kevin Durantand Klay Thompson. As the Raptors continued to try and force Curry into a trap, Curry passed the ball to Shaun Livingston, who in turn passed the ball the Andre Iguodala, who evened the series at 1-1 heading back to a Game three on Wednesday night in Oakland.
For most players, a moment like the one Iguodala found himself in on Sunday night might overwhelm them. As a 33.3% three-pointer shooter, long-distance shooting is not really Iguodala’s game. For a veteran and former All-Star like Iguodala, no moment looms too large for him. Entering the shot, Iguodala found himself just one for his last 13 from three-point range. What separates Iguodala from other players who might have passed up the three-point shot is that Iguodala has a champion’s mentality. Iguodala knows that when he got the pass from Livingston, he was zero-for-zero from three-point range.
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After the game, Iguodala said, “I’m doing whatever it takes to preserve his (Steph Curry’s) legacy.” This quote is a perfect example of why the Warriors are the odds-on favorites to win their fourth NBA Championship in the last five seasons. Greatness combined with utter unselfishness and a desire to play a truly team-oriented style of basketball. It should come as no surprise to anyone that the Warriors have become the poster child for success in basketball. Chemistry, selfishness, trust — all of these characteristics define the Golden State Warriors and especially the game-clinching shot in Game two by Andre Iguodala.
