Steph Curry: “It’s Disrespectful to Leave Iguodala Open Like That”

The champs have answered to the Raptors’ challenge from Game 1. Last night at the overcrowded Scotiabank Arena, Golden State managed to win, 109-104, and to take the home court advantage from the Canadian team.

Despite several severe problems, which included Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney leaving the game because of the injuries, the Warriors found the strength to overcome a thrilling ending and to post a massive win. The hero of the match was Andre Iguodala who delivered a clutch three-pointer with 5.9 seconds to go, pulling away his team to a safe distance and setting the final score, 109-104.

“It’s disrespectful to leave Andre Iguodala open like that,” said Steph Curry after the match. “He’s made big shots like that before.”

Curry was struggling with illness, and couldn’t find his rhythm in the first half. In fact, the entire Warriors’ crew looked exhausted and without energy, which is why Toronto reached a 12-point advantage, 47-35 with 5:16 until the end of the second period.

But then came the hurricane. As soon as the second half began, the champions have started an 18-0 run which totally shocked the home team. Raptors were looking stunned and without any solution on how to slow down the guests. Not only did the Warriors crushed the Raptors on the offensive side of the court, but froze them defensively. Toronto was 7 of 22 from the field in the third sequence, shooting threes 2 for 9.

“Third quarter we didn’t play well enough. We missed too many shots,” Kyle Lowry said stated. “They got out in transition and got a little confidence going. We lost the game there.”

Klay Thompson, who was the best scorer among the Warriors had to leave the game in the fourth quarter because of the hamstring injury, which was a huge setback for Steve Kerr’s guys.

Such a problem immediately reflected upon things on the court, and the guests allowed a 10-0 run of the Raptors who came down to only two points, 106-104. For more than five and a half minutes Curry and the boys couldn’t score, but eventually, they survived after Iguodala’s dagger.

“I like Steph,” said Iguodala to the reporters in the locker room. “He’s a good dude. I’m trying to do whatever it takes to protect his legacy.”

The veteran forward wasn’t noticeable when it comes to scoring, as he had 8 points, but his contribution in other categories was pretty good. Iguodala ended the night with 8 boards and 6 assists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frYpkIxBPNA

Draymond Green had a similar impact on the game. He was one assist shy of posting another, fourth straight, triple-double. Draymond had 17 points, 10 boards, and 9 dishes, and did a good job defensively. Boogie Cousins appeared in the starting lineup, and did well, with 11 points, 10 boards, and 6 assists.

Klay dropped 25 buckets, while Steph scored 23.

On the other side, Kawhi was unstoppable with 34 points, and 14 boards. He also scored all of his 16 free throws.

“It’s just that third quarter,” he said at the press conference. “I felt it just really killed us, 18-0 run, we can’t score no basket, you aren’t going to win no game.”

Pascal Siakam wasn’t visible in this one. Unlike Game 1 when he dictated the situation on the floor, the player from Cameroon scored just 12 points, shooting 5 of 18 from the field. Siakam added 8 boards and 5 assists, but that didn’t matter because of his bad offensive performance. Fred VanVleet was excellent off the bench as always. Raptors’ back up point guard had 17 points and played very well, but other guys didn’t step up when needed, and a loss was inevitable.

Kyle Lowry had 13 points and only 2 assists, Marc Gasol 6, while Danny Green scored 8 points.

After the game, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson threw a couple of words to Drake when the rapper was on his way out of the building, saying that they can’t wait to see him at the Oracle Arena.

The series is now shifting to Oakland, where Golden State has a totally different style of play. However, the situation regarding injuries is not bright at all. If by any chance Kevin Durant can’t play, and Klay’s hamstring isn’t OK, the Warriors will face a whole lot of troubles.

Game 3 is next Wednesday at 10 pm ET.