Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In order to give the Golden State Warriors the best chance possible to even the NBA Finals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, head coach Steve Kerr knew he would either have to tell the truth during the pre-game press conference about his decision to place Andre Iguodala in the starting lineup, completely avoid the question altogether, or lie. The latter was the only way the Warriors would have an advantage in Game 4.
“Sorry, but I don’t think they hand you the trophy based on morality,” Kerr said after the 103-82 dismantling of the Cavaliers, according to ESPN. “They give it to you if you win. So sorry about that.”
Iguodala had yet to start a game for the Warriors all season. The result was a season-high 22 points in 39 minutes. More importantly, it gave Golden State a necessary fast pace out of the gate that completely caught Cleveland off-guard.
The Warriors knew the only way to get a leg up on the Cavaliers was to catch them by surprise. It was not shocking that Iguodala played so well, especially when considering he has been one of the best players for Golden State in the series. The surprise was using his presence immediately in the contest, instead of off the bench as the Warriors have done all season. Even more noticeably, it gave Cleveland center Timofey Mozgov a look he is not accustom to (a smaller player to defend), which threw off his game enough to give Golden State a massive advantage around the basket.
“(Iguodala is) one of the X factors, and he came to play,” James said. “He shot the ball extremely well. He hit four 3s. He was in attack. He got a couple dunks in transition early on in the game, which got him going, and he was really good for them.”
The decision to start Iguodala can be credited for the win. However, the Cavaliers know what to expect going forward, which means the same tactic may not work as easily. It is true Iguodala can still have his way with Mozgov, but Cleveland will be prepared for the possibility of him starting.
Still, there is no denying Kerr is clearly capable of figuring out different ways to win, just as his counterpart is. For that reason, it is no surprise the 2015 NBA Finals is shaping up to be an instant classic.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
