Warriors Honor Andre Iguodala with Jersey Retirement in Statement Win Over Mavericks

By Joel Paul | February 27, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO — On Sunday night, one of the most selfless and impactful players in NBA history received the honor he long deserved. The Golden State Warriors retired Andre Iguodala’s No. 9 jersey in a special ceremony at Chase Center, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

Iguodala, a four-time NBA champion and 2015 NBA Finals MVP, was never the most dominant scorer, nor did he put up the gaudy numbers of a superstar. But make no mistake—he was every bit as dominant when the moment called for it. A defensive anchor, a brilliant facilitator, and an unselfish scorer, Iguodala was the kind of player who made teams better simply by being on the floor.

Although he was known for his high-flying, flashy dunks and explosive athleticism, his greatest strength was his ability to adapt to whatever role his team needed. Over the course of his 19-year career, Iguodala averaged a modest 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. On paper, that might not stand out, but his impact went far beyond the box score. He was the kind of player who could take over a game if necessary, yet more often than not, he chose to defer to his teammates—always putting the team’s success above his own numbers.

The 2015 Finals MVP That Silenced the Doubters

If there was ever a moment that defined Iguodala’s greatness, it was the 2015 NBA Finals. Tasked with guarding LeBron James while stepping up offensively, Iguodala delivered when the Warriors needed him most. He averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while shooting an efficient 52.1% from the field and 40% from three. His best scoring performances came in Game 6, where he dropped 25 points, and Game 4, where he put up 22 points and 8 rebounds. But his all-around dominance was on display in Game 5, where he stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.

For his efforts, Iguodala was named Finals MVP—an honor that solidified his place in NBA history. It was a rare achievement for a player who embraced a team-first mentality, a testament to his ability to flip the switch when it mattered most.

The Warriors Deliver on Iguodala’s Night

On the night of his jersey retirement, the Warriors made sure to put on a performance worthy of the occasion. Led by Stephen Curry’s 30-point outing, Golden State dismantled the Dallas Mavericks 126-102, showcasing the kind of team-oriented basketball that Iguodala embodied throughout his career.

Curry shot 60% from the field and added 7 assists, while Jimmy Butler, one of the Warriors’ midseason acquisitions, contributed 18 points on an efficient 55.6% shooting. Brandin Podziemski impressed with a double-double, tallying 17 points and 13 rebounds while knocking down 60% of his three-pointers.

The energy in Chase Center was electric, and as Iguodala’s No. 9 was lifted into the rafters, it was clear that his influence on the Warriors’ dynasty would never be forgotten.

Iguodala said during his speech that he would not be there without his teammates, acknowledging Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. He reflected on the dynasty they built together and stated that he just tried to do his part.

Warriors Keep Rolling with Another Blowout Win

Golden State kept the momentum going on Tuesday, cruising to a 128-92 victory over the Charlotte Hornets to close out their homestand. While no single player put up monster numbers, it was a true team effort, with six different Warriors scoring in double figures—including Curry, Butler, Podziemski, Green, Gary Payton II, and Kevin Knox.

It was another reminder that, even in a new era, the Warriors still embody the selfless, high-IQ basketball that Iguodala helped define.

A Legacy That Transcends Stats

As the Warriors move forward, Andre Iguodala’s impact will continue to be felt—not just in the banners hanging above Chase Center, but in the way the team plays the game. He was never the leading scorer, never the focal point of the offense. But when the game was on the line, when the biggest moments arrived, he was always there.

And that is why, for those who watched him, his story will be told for generations.