The Golden State Warriors defeated the injury-plagued Cleveland Cavaliers in this past NBA Finals. The Warriors implemented a strategy of team defense to lock down LeBron James and secure their first title since 1975. The focal point of the team defense strategy was having Andre Iguodala stick to LeBron anytime James was on offense. The plan resulted in the win of the championship and Iguodala gaining the Finals MVP award. With LeBron posting the best statistical numbers of the series for either team, it was a controversial choice to give the MVP to Iguodala.
Golden State played great team ball on both sides of the court throughout the series, making it a difficult choice for the Most Valuable Player Award. Golden State head coach Steve Kerr even admitted to the New York Post he understood how people could think other players were more deserving of the title, even though he thought Iguodala was the right choice:
"You could make an argument that it could have gone to Steph. It could have gone to LeBron. But for us it was really fitting that the award went to Andre because he sacrificed his starting role from the first game of the season."
Iguodala seconded the sacrifice sentiment of his past to CBS Sports:
"You really never know where this road will take you, just playing for different teams, Philly, World Championship teams, Olympic teams, playing in Denver, playing against LeBron for 11 years, all those things prepare for this moment and you don't really realize it until you go through it and it happens for you. It's like 'wow' all that hard work, all the things that I've been through good and bad, it kind of helps you get over the hump and we finally got it."
Do you think Iguodala was the most deserving player for the MVP award? Will he remain with Golden State next season? Tell us your thoughts below.
