Iguodala ‘should be good to go’ for Game 7

OAKLAND, Calif. (Diya TV) — Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala was absent from Saturday’s light on-court practice, however, both he and head coach Steve Kerr said the 32-year-old who was MVP of last year’s NBA Finals will be ready and available for Sunday’s decisive Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“I’ll be ready to go,” Iguodala said, adding, “whether I’m perfectly fine or not.”

The veteran has been dealing with back spasms for much of the postseason. Kerr said Iguodala was being tended to by the team’s medical staff Saturday morning instead of participating in practice.

“We had a light practice that he did not take part in,” Kerr said. “He got treatment instead. And he should be good to go tomorrow.”

Iguodala’s presence on the court for Golden State is supreme, he has started the last two games for the defending champions, and more importantly, has been tasked with the primary duties of guarding Cavaliers star LeBron James. He played 30 minutes in the Warriors 115-101 Game 6 loss, and appeared in significant pain throughout the contest. For much of it, he was seen grimacing while doing things such as jumping and bending his knees.

“You just try to will yourself to do it,” Iguodala said. “I felt in a bad position in Game 6, but I saw a lot of things and still made a couple plays. A few things I couldn’t quite do, but I felt there was a way around it.

“So I’m figuring it out, and the main thing is not using it as an excuse. I’m still trying to find a way.”

Kerr said he’s waiting until Sunday to determine whether or not restrictions will need to be placed on Iguodala’s playing time in Game 7, assuming he plays.

“We’ll see how he’s feeling tomorrow,” Kerr said. “But it’s Game 7 and he’s Andre Iguodala. So we know he’ll be out there.”

Iguodala was asked what his pre-game routine will be for Sunday — he’ll be arriving at Oracle Arena early to receive additional treatment from the team medical staff, but will also be taking in some of the PGA’s U.S. Open, and watching the series finale of HBO’s hit drama “The Sopranos.”