NBA Finals 2017: 5 potential x-factors who could swing the series

By Noah Torr | May 31, 2017

May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) celebrates with Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 5

May 22, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Andre Iguodala (9) shoots the ball past San Antonio Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray (behind) during the second half of game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Andre Iguodala

While Iguodala’s contributions during the playoffs this year have been minuscule on the offensive end, his defensive presence is still something he should be proud of. And since the Warriors are facing the Cavaliers yet again, Iguodala’s services may be called upon to guard LeBron. LeBron and Andre have a history of going against each other. Heck, Iguodala won the 2015 NBA Finals MVP because of his defense against LeBron.

Iguodala is on this list because if he can pick up the slack on his stagnant offensive game, he can be a serious threat for the Warriors. He is currently shooting 11 percent from beyond the arc during the playoffs, and that is not going to fly against the Cavaliers. Golden State’s goal is always to spread Cleveland as thin as possible on defense, but they can’t spread the floor if Andre can’t connect from deep.

Between his defense and a, hopefully, rediscovered shooting stroke. Iguodala is absolutely a player who can swing this series in the Warriors’ favor.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers