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There are many silver linings for the Golden State Warriors stemming from Kevin Durant's ongoing absence. Chief among them, of course, is Steve Kerr's team reverting back to the wide open, up-and-down style that caused an entire generation of basketball fans to see the game in a different light.
Another, less obvious one? An expanded role for Andre Iguodala, a crucial yet still easily overlooked cog for the two-time defending champions despite his status as one of the game's most respected players. In the closing seconds of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, though, it was impossible to look past his contributions.
With the Warriors leading by three and less than 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, it was Iguodala, of course, who drew the assignment of defending Damian Lillard. Rather than let the Portland Trail Blazers superstar get off a game-tying three-point attempt, Iguodala slapped at the ball, twice, ultimately leading to a steal that sealed a dramatic 114-111 Golden State victory.
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Iggy locked down Dame to take the 2-0 series lead 🔒 pic.twitter.com/LVFIEJlPtX
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 17, 2019
Classic.
Andre Iguodala, excellent on both ends throughout the playoffs, didn't have his jumper going in Game 2, finishing with four points on 2-of-6 shooting and missing all three of his attempts from beyond the arc. He was instrumental to holding Lillard and C.J. McCollum in check, though, and also grabbed five rebounds and doled out four assists.
If not for a dominant third quarter and furious crunch-time rally, the Warriors would be heading to Portland with this series tied 1-1. Instead, behind 37 points from Steph Curry, awesome contributions from Kevon Looney and Jordan Bell off the bench, and typically understated yet rippling impact from Iguodala and Draymond Green, Golden State has a commanding 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
