CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Golden State Warriors have adopted a motto. It’s plastered on the gold shirts handed out to fans. It’s hanging in the rafters at Oracle Arena.”Strength in Numbers.”The Warriors embodied that on Thursday night, overwhelming the Cleveland Cavaliers, 104-89, in Game 1 of the NBA Finals despite an off night from their All-Star backcourt.The Cavs entered Game 1 with the plan of not allowing Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to get comfortable. The Cavs trapped the duo, forced the ball out of their hands, played physical with them off the ball and held them to a dreadful 20 points on 8-of-27 from the field combined.Cleveland dared the Warriors’ other pieces to beat them. That’s exactly what happened, as seven players reached double figures.Golden State’s second unit scored 45 of the team’s 104 points. Meanwhile, the Cavs’ bench had just 10 points.Andre Iguodala is the anchor of Golden State’s talented and deep second unit. He reminded many, including the Cavs, why he was named Finals MVP during Golden State’s 4-2 series win last season.Iguodala, who was moved back to the bench after starting pivotal Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, scored 12 points on 5-of-9 from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range. He added seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block in 36 spectacular minutes.While his scoring and playmaking gave the Warriors’ offense a much-needed boost With Curry and Thompson out of rhythm, Iguodala was named Finals MVP because of his smothering defense, something on display throughout the Western Conference Finals against Kevin Durant and once again Thursday night.Iguodala helped set the tone on that end of the floor.LeBron James isn’t going to be stopped. He’s too good. But Iguodala’s quick hands and toughness seemed to frustrate James, who had to work all night for his offense.
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