**”Andre Iguodala Reveals Why Steph Curry Should Have Won NBA Finals MVP: A Closer Look at 2015 and Beyond”**
In a recent conversation, NBA veteran Andre Iguodala shared his thoughts on one of the most iconic moments in NBA history—the 2015 NBA Finals. He revealed something that had been on the minds of many basketball fans for years: Steph Curry, the face of the Golden State Warriors and one of the most transformative players in the history of the game, should have won the NBA Finals MVP award that year, not him.
Iguodala, who was named the 2015 NBA Finals MVP for his crucial defensive efforts against LeBron James and his timely scoring, opened up about the decision-making behind the award. Despite his impressive performance throughout the series, Iguodala candidly stated that, in his opinion, Curry was the true catalyst for the Warriors’ historic championship run.
### The 2015 NBA Finals: A Turning Point in Warriors’ Legacy
The 2015 NBA Finals marked a defining moment for the Golden State Warriors. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games to win their first NBA championship in 40 years. However, the series was far from straightforward. Despite the Warriors’ success, many had expected a different outcome for the Finals MVP award.
Curry had been the Warriors’ offensive engine throughout the regular season and the postseason. He won his first MVP award that year, setting new records for three-pointers made and solidifying his place among the game’s elite. However, despite his overwhelming impact, Curry’s performance in the Finals was somewhat inconsistent. He averaged 26 points per game on just 44% shooting, including a subpar shooting performance in the Finals, especially in Game 4 and Game 5. Nonetheless, Curry’s ability to stretch the floor, his leadership, and his gravity on offense made him the Warriors’ key player.
### Iguodala’s Unlikely Role in the Finals
Andre Iguodala, on the other hand, was not the focal point of the Warriors’ offense but emerged as one of the most important players in the series. Known primarily for his defense, Iguodala had to step up in a big way after the Warriors found themselves down 2-1 in the Finals. Steve Kerr made a bold move by inserting Iguodala into the starting lineup in Game 4, a decision that would ultimately change the course of the series.
Iguodala’s defense on LeBron James was critical. While James still had dominant moments, especially in the first two games, Iguodala’s ability to slow him down became pivotal. He was the Warriors’ primary defender against James in the final three games of the series, and he also provided a much-needed scoring boost. In Game 4, Iguodala scored 22 points, a performance that helped the Warriors even the series. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor earned him the Finals MVP, despite Curry’s role as the team’s star player.
### Iguodala’s Thoughts on the MVP Decision
In an interview with Twitch streamer and influencer Kai Cenat, Iguodala opened up about the MVP award and the reasons behind his belief that Curry should have won it. “I always tell people, Steph should have won the Finals MVP,” Iguodala said. “It was a team effort. Everyone played their role, but we knew who made things go, and that was Steph.”
Iguodala continued to emphasize that, while his defensive play was crucial, the Warriors’ success would not have been possible without Curry’s leadership and shooting ability. “The attention he draws, the shots he creates for everyone else, that’s why we were able to win,” Iguodala explained. “People think that Finals MVP is all about points and scoring, but it’s so much more about the impact you have on the game. And no one had a greater impact than Steph.”
### The Complexities of Finals MVP Voting
The Finals MVP voting is a unique process. Unlike the regular season MVP, which is decided by the media, the Finals MVP is chosen by a panel of 11 sportswriters and broadcasters. The award is typically given to the player who has the most significant individual impact in the Finals. However, this doesn’t always mean the player with the best overall numbers. In 2015, Iguodala’s all-around contributions, particularly his defense, made him a compelling candidate.
However, Iguodala acknowledged that the decision to give him the award was a reflection of the narrative surrounding the series. LeBron James’ individual brilliance and the Cavaliers’ struggles, particularly without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, created a storyline where a player from the winning team had to be the Finals MVP. Iguodala believed the voters chose him due to his high-level defense against James, even though he recognized Curry’s overall importance to the Warriors’ success.
### The Legacy of the 2015 Finals MVP Decision
Though Iguodala won the award, there has always been a lingering question about whether it was the right call. The controversy surrounding the 2015 Finals MVP discussion only grew stronger in the years that followed, especially as Curry led the Warriors to two more championships (2017 and 2018) and added two more MVP trophies to his resume. In hindsight, the 2015 Finals MVP could be viewed as a pivotal moment in establishing Iguodala’s legacy as one of the best role players in NBA history, but it also highlighted just how important Curry was to Golden State’s success.
In the grand scheme of things, though, the Finals MVP in 2015 didn’t alter the trajectory of Curry’s career. He went on to cement himself as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, leading the Warriors to dominance in the late 2010s. Iguodala’s comments about Curry not winning the MVP may not change the past, but they reflect a deeper understanding of team dynamics and how even the most valuable player can sometimes go unnoticed in a championship run.
### Conclusion: A Team Effort That Changed the Game
Andre Iguodala’s statement to Kai Cenat about Steph Curry deserving the 2015 Finals MVP award shines a light on the complex and often subjective nature of basketball accolades. It serves as a reminder that the MVP award is not just about individual statistics but about the totality of a player’s impact on a championship-winning team. For the Golden State Warriors, Curry’s offensive brilliance was unquestionably the driving force behind their success, while Iguodala’s timely defensive plays and leadership were equally essential.
As the Warriors continue to write their own legacy, and Curry further etches his name in the annals of NBA history, Iguodala’s candid reflection on the 2015 Finals MVP will be seen as a reminder of the unselfishness and team-oriented approach that have defined the Warriors’ dynasty. Despite not winning the Finals MVP that year, Curry’s legacy remains untarnished, and the Warriors’ success continues to be a testament to the power of teamwork.
