Kevon Looney‘s return to the Warriors lineup on Thursday night against the Pistons proved why he is one of Dub Nation’s most trusted players. Missing in action for some time now, the three-time champion stepped up amid the team struggling with injuries.
Escaping their third consecutive loss, coach Steve Kerr and Co. managed to pull this off. While the night belonged to relatively unknown names like Gui Santos and Lindy Waters III, Looney made his presence felt. Coming off the bench, the Warriors veteran had 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and one block. Without Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and Brandin Podziemski, Golden State was short on personnel, playing the Pistons on the road. Fortunately for Kerr, his bench rose to the occasion, including a returning Looney, who sat out a few games due to roster adjustments.
Steve Kerr Pleads Guilty After Kevon Looney’s Return
Warriors Coach Expresses Regret Over Excluding 6-foot-9 Forward
It’s been a rough stretch for the Dubs off-late, dropping several ranks after a solid 12-3 start to the season. Struggling from most fronts, the Warriors barely hang on the .500 mark, with a 19-18 record. Adding to Dub Nation’s woes is the front office’s inability to maximize Stephen Curry‘s prime. Nevertheless, visiting Detroit after back-to-back losses, the Warriors managed to get the win on the road. Surprisingly, Kerr’s lineup had several integral pieces missing due to injuries. Further complicating matters was Curry’s off night, going 5-for-21 from the field.
Answering the call at this crucial juncture alongside Santos and Waters III, Looney proved why he continues to remain a fan favorite. Addressing the media postgame, Kerr gave the 28-year-old his flowers, admitting the Warriors big man was a winner.
“This happens every year: I take Loon out of the lineup, bring him back, then I’m like, ‘Why did I take Loon out of the lineup?’ He’s a winner.”
This isn’t the first time that Looney has saved the day for the Dubs. The UCLA alumnus has always elevated his game as and when the need arose. Some of his playoff performances, especially during the 2022 championship even earned him the nickname of Kevon Looajuwon.
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Though he may not constitute the size and stature of a traditional big man, Looney never fails to give it his all on the hardwood. In his 10-year career with the Warriors, the veteran forward has witnessed the 2016-17 super team, a brief rebuild, and a return to the Promise Land in 2022.
As the team finds itself in a tough spot today, Looney always shows up, bringing his A game as and when needed. Demonstrating his ability to sacrifice for the team, the Warriors veteran didn’t mind taking the backseat as coach Kerr and staff continued to develop the likes of Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Unfortunately, knowing the business side of things, there is a high possibility that Looney might be shipped via a trade, as we approach the deadline. Not a scorer in the true sense, the veteran’s ability to do the ‘so-called dirty work,’ separates him from the rest. His willingness to go the extra mile even if it means a low risk-reward ratio.
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