Outside of the excellence of Stephen Curry, one Golden State Warriors player has stood above the rest during their current run in the NBA Playoffs.
Underrated center Kevon Looney is averaging 7.3 points to go with a league-high 16.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists thus far in the postseason. Looney also registered 23 rebounds in Golden State’s Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.
We now have a lineup alert heading into Game 2 Thursday evening in San Francisco. Looney will not get the start for Golden State. He’s under the weather. While the big man will play, veteran forward JaMychal Green will get the start in his stead. Looney is expected to play no more than 20 minutes. That’s 10 less than he’s averaged thus far in the playoffs.
To say that this could have widespread implications for the Golden State Warriors and their efforts to even this series up at one would be an understatement.
Primarily, Kevon Looney joins Draymond Green as the only two players on the Warriors’ roster than can bang with Lakers star big man Anthony Davis in the low post. AD absolutely dominated in Los Angeles’ five-point Game 1 win. He went off for 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.
Related: Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green talks LeBron James’ friendship
Kevon Looney stats (past six games): 7.3 PPG, 18.8 RPG, 5.3 APG, 54% shooting
Over the course of this six-game span, the Golden State Warriors are plus-37 with Looney on the court. The team is minus-16 with him sitting.
This will also have a dramatic impact when it comes to spacing for the Golden State Warriors in Game 2. Draymond Green will be playing the small-ball five spot and likely be matched up against Davis on a consistent basic.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Los Angeles Lakers playoff news – click here for all the updates!