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Warriors confirm Iguodala to miss Finals opener
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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 today 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 of Iguodala. “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, 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, was evaluated on Tuesday and is making progress but still has the bruise and inflammation of the nerve surrounding his knee. 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.”
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 won in seven. He wasn’t scheduled to attend media day on 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.”
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