Golden State Warriors Mailbag: Game-Winners, Western Conference, Kuzmic
November 14, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Andre Iguodala (9) shoots the game-winning basket against Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha (25, right) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 116-115. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
My favorite game-winning shot last year was Andre Iguodala‘s game-winner against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home. The game was on November 14th, so it was early in the season. Also, Iguodala hadn’t really proven himself as a clutch player yet for the Warriors, even though he had proven that on numerous occasions throughout his career.
In addition, the Warriors were playing an extremely tough opponent, a top team in the Western Conference, in the Thunder. Even though the game was early in the season, the stakes were higher in the game, as it was sort of a “measuring stick” game to see how the Warriors faced up against the best in the West.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
The game was super competitive, back-and-forth, and a fun game to watch. With the Warriors up 114-112, Russell Westbrook hit a deep three with 2.4 seconds left in the game, which put the Thunder up by one.
Then, Klay Thompson inbounded the ball to Iguodala in the corner, after Iguodala faked out quality defender Thabo Sefolosha. Iguodala then spun and hit a fadeaway mid-range jumper over the out-stretched arm of Sefolosha to win the game. The difficulty of the shot definitely made it my favorite game-winner from last year.
My second favorite game winner would probably be Iguodala’s other game-winner against the Atlanta Hawks on the road last year, just because it was somewhat unexpected and “lucky.” I also loved how he led the team in a run off the court.
Any Stephen Curry game winner is amazing too, but Iguodala’s game-winner against the Thunder was definitely my favorite.
Next: Warriors' Biggest Competition for Number One Seed in West