Nearly a decade after his remarkable performance in the 2015 NBA Finals, Andre Iguodala remains stunned that he edged out teammate Stephen Curry to win the coveted Finals MVP award. Speaking on a podcast interview earlier this week, Iguodala shared his reflections on the series and the unexpected honor.
“I’m still surprised I got the Finals MVP,” Iguodala admitted. “It was one of those moments where you’re like, ‘Did that really happen?’ I mean, Steph [Curry] was incredible that season, and we all know what he brings to the table.”
The 2015 NBA Finals saw the Golden State Warriors face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a gripping six-game series. While Curry was the team’s offensive engine, Iguodala’s contributions on both ends of the court proved pivotal. His defense against LeBron James, who averaged 35.8 points per game during the series, was a defining factor in the Warriors clinching their first championship in 40 years.
Iguodala’s Finals MVP win marked the first time in NBA history that a player won the award without starting every game in the series. He was inserted into the starting lineup by head coach Steve Kerr in Game 4, a decision that shifted the momentum in favor of the Warriors. “I wasn’t even supposed to start,” Iguodala said. “But when Coach Kerr told me I’d be in the lineup, I just focused on doing what the team needed.”
Despite Iguodala’s standout defense and key offensive plays, some fans and analysts believed Curry deserved the award. Curry averaged 26 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in the Finals, leading the team’s offense and hitting several clutch shots. However, the Finals MVP voting panel ultimately gave Iguodala the nod for his impact on neutralizing James and altering the course of the series.
Curry has publicly supported Iguodala’s win over the years, emphasizing the collective nature of their victory. “We’re a team. Dre [Iguodala] was incredible, and he deserved it,” Curry said during a 2016 interview.
Reflecting on the Warriors’ dominance during that era, Iguodala credited the team’s chemistry and unselfish play for their success. “We had something special,” he said. “It wasn’t about individual awards; it was about winning, and we all bought into that.”
The Finals MVP remains a unique milestone in Iguodala’s illustrious career. He retired in 2023 after 19 seasons in the NBA, having won four championships with the Warriors and leaving a legacy as one of the league’s smartest and most versatile players.
As fans continue to debate the 2015 Finals MVP decision, Iguodala remains humble about the accolade. “At the end of the day, it’s about the ring,” he said. “But yeah, it’s still wild to think about.”