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Andre Iguodala reveals why the Warriors didn’t celebrate their 2018 NBA title

Andre Iguodala explains the absence of celebrations after sweeping the Cavaliers. The former Warriors forward reveals how repeated success and the business dimension eroded the joy of winning an NBA championship.
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Andre Iguodala reveals why the Warriors didn’t celebrate their 2018 NBA title

Feb 23, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Former Golden State Warriors player Andre Iguodala talks during the Andre Iguodala jersey retirement ceremony at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Photo Credit : © John Hefti-Imagn Images

Andre Iguodala, an iconic figure of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, made surprising revelations about the team’s mindset during their fourth title in eight years. The former 2015 NBA Finals MVP explained that the team didn’t even celebrate their 2018 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

When business overtakes passion

Appearing on the « Roommates Show » podcast with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the New York Knicks, Iguodala detailed how his perspective evolved through success. « The more you learn about the business, you learn how the schedule is set up, you learn how TV games are scheduled, » the former forward explained. « You learn things like ‘Why are we traveling 2,000 miles more than another team?’ You learn about the circus. Since we were in the circus, ESPN, Turner (TNT) at the time, all those schedules were based around the Warriors. »

This awareness of the NBA‘s show business side profoundly affected the team. « And then you start overthinking, and now the love for the business changes… It distorts your approach to the game. It’s a scary feeling because it can take away the joy, » Iguodala continued.

A hollow victory in 2018

The impact of this mindset was particularly felt during the 2018 sweep of the Cavaliers. « When you win, you’re like ‘Okay, we did what we were supposed to do.’ The last championship, we didn’t even celebrate, in 2018. Like, we won the championship and it was like ‘Are we going to Vegas? No, we’re not going, see you in a few months, » the former player revealed.

Iguodala also mentioned that the team had started focusing on individual statistics to ensure everyone was satisfied, a sign of a fraying group dynamic. This period coincided with growing tensions around Kevin Durant, which could explain this less enthusiastic atmosphere.

Although Iguodala called it « strange » to lose excitement despite success, his comments perfectly illustrate the reality of professional sports: the more routine success becomes, the less pleasure it brings.

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Nicolas Flamecourt
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
Andre Iguodala reveals why the Warriors didn’t celebrate their 2018 NBA title