Fansided

NBA Playoffs 2018: 5 keys to Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers matchup

By Rucker Haringey

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Draymond Green #23, Kevin Durant #35, Klay Thompson #11, and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Draymond Green #23, Kevin Durant #35, Klay Thompson #11, and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Andre Iguodala, Rockets
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 20: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors and fights for possession with James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 20, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

4. Andre Iguodala’s health

Iguodala isn’t the most important cog in the Warriors’ offensive machine, but he does play a huge role in their defensive scheme. If he misses significant time in this series it’s going to force the Warriors to make some uncomfortable decisions about who will guard LeBron down the stretch.

The talented wing has already been ruled out for Game One, but the uncertainty surrounding his injury makes his return timetable unclear. The good news for Golden State is that Iguodala doesn’t believe he’s “that far” away from returning. That at least gives him a shot to return to the lineup for Game Two.

Without his defense on the wing, it’s going to place more defensive pressure than normal on Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant. Both players will both be forced to guard LeBron more than usual. Both have the talent to do a reasonable job, but the energy required to contain James will likely diminish their offensive output.

Iguodala’s absence also makes it more likely that Golden State will keep a big man in the game at all times. The presence of a non-shooting center on the floor does hamper the Warriors offense. Cleveland can really benefit from Iguodala missing serious time.

Home/NBA Playoffs