Published 17:15 IST, February 10th 2020
Damian Lillard ruins Andre Iguodala's Heat debut as former Warriors star ends exile
Andre Iguodala finally made an appearance in the NBA after nearly eight months following a deadline day move to Miami Heat. His debut, however, ended in defeat.
- SportFit
- 3 min read
Damian Lillard was left frustrated during the Trail Blazers vs Utah Jazz match-up last week. A goaltending call was overlooked by the game referees. There was none of that drama when the Portland Trail Blazers hosted a resurgent Miami Heat side at the Moda Center on Sunday night (Monday morning IST). Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra opted to hand deadline day acquisition Andre Iguodala a debut on the night. However, Andre Iguodala's debut did not quite go according to plan for the three-time NBA champion.
Andre Iguodala debut ends in a disappointing defeat for Miami Heat
Speaking before the game, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said that he didn’t know if Andre Iguodala was ready to start. He had not played a single game in the NBA in nearly eight months. Regardless, the Heat coach decided to throw the former Warriors guard into the deep end during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. If Miami Heat fans expected the Iguodala debut to end in favour of the Heat, they were left bitterly disappointed as Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard spoiled Andre Iguodala’s party.
Days after Damian Lillard dropped a game-high 42 points against Utah Jazz, he was once again the showstopper at the Moda Center on the night. The 2020 NBA All-Star finished with 33 points, four rebounds and eight assists as the Iguodala debut ended in sour fashion for Miami Heat.
A deadline day move saw Miami Heat move for the wantaway star Andre Iguodala. Iguodala reportedly threatened to sit out the entirety of the season if he were denied a trade. Miami Heat then swooped in for the three-time NBA champion as they looked to add some veteran help on and off the court. The Andre Iguodala trade involved a two-year extension worth a reported $30 million with a team option for the second year.
Updated 17:15 IST, February 10th 2020