After losing Kevin Durant to a strained calf and Houston had come roaring back from a 20-point deficit in a critical Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the Warriors were looking to somehow secure the home victory. Head Coach Steve Kerr had the answer: he subbed in Kevon Looney for the final seven-plus minutes of the game.
In those final minutes, Looney came through with a block on Rockets All-Star Chris Paul, two made free throws, and an assist to Klay Thompson to secure the 104-99 win for Golden State.
In all, the 23-year-old forward totaled five points with a postseason-career high nine rebounds in Wednesday’s victory. Though the numbers may not jump off the page, fans who watched his performance likely noted the tenacity with which he fought for five offensive rebounds that were key in getting the Warriors extra possessions for the win.
Klay Thompson acknowledged Looney’s hard work after the game, simply saying: “Kevon Looney, can't say enough about his performance. Five offensive rebounds, that's just heart right there.”
Was this the most important game of Looney’s young career?
“For sure, I think so,” he said after the win. “ I’ve played in a lot of meaningful games up to this point so far playing on the Warriors. This is a big game for me and I just wanted to make the plays with KD going down, even with Draymond (Green) fouling out. I just wanted to do what I’m supposed to do and try to help my team win.”
Though possibly his most meaningful game, this was not Looney’s first time stepping up when the Dubs needed him most during the 2019 NBA Playoffs, either.
It was back on April 15th when Dub Nation suffered two major losses in one game — giving up a 31-point lead to the Los Angeles Clippers and losing DeMarcus Cousins to a torn left quadriceps — when Kevon Looney was the lone bright spot.
On that April night, he went off for a career-high 19 points in 19 minutes, surpassing his previous high of 15 points posted against the Indiana Pacers on January 28th. Not only is the total number of points significant for him, Looney’s performance came on 6-of-6 shooting and 7-of-8 on free throws, well above his season shooting averages of 62.5 percent from the field and 61.9 from the line.
During the regular season, Looney posted averages of 6.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.6 steals over 18 minutes of playing time, all career-highs for the big man.
These have not been one-off performances, though. In fact, Looney has shown consistent improvement through the 2018-2019 campaign, especially over the last three months of the regular season.
February: 2.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, +9.9 in 14.6 minutes
March: 5.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, +11.2 in 14.3 minutes
April: 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, +15.7 in 12.8 minutes
When DeMarcus Cousins assumed starting center responsibilities upon his season debut in January, Looney’s minutes took a hit. But still, he found ways to be even more productive with the reduced playing time. Fans may have been keen to note more skills Looney has been highlighting recently as well, including more fluid movement around the rim and a clear confidence in his jumpshot, creating an ever-growing depth to his game.
In a four-game span against the Clippers — April 10 in the regular season and the first three playoff games — Looney took advantage of his touches and shot 21-for-26 from the field for 49 points in 66 minutes. Even though several of those baskets are simply finishing off opportunities created by others, that kind of efficiency and production shouldn’t be ignored.
With Cousins sidelined indefinitely and Durant likely missing the next few games, Looney figures to take on a larger role. That started late Wednesday night, and Kerr took note of Looney’s contribution: “Kevon was the unsung hero tonight out there.”
“We put Looney out there [for the end of Wednesday’s Game 5]. He's one of our best players. When you have injuries, you try to put your best players on the floor,” said Kerr.
Besides the praise from others, how is Looney feeling now that he will have to step up once again on the biggest stage? “I’m ready for it right now,” said Kevon Wednesday. “My body feels really fresh so I’m ready for the work load and whatever coach needs me to do, I’m ready.”