The Golden State Warriors are benefiting from Kevon Looney’s step-up in performance during the NBA playoffs.
Aged 27, the Warriors center struggled due to injury issues in his first few seasons at the team, and coach Steve Kerr wanted him to supplement Andrew Bogut and offer something different with his mobility from the inside but also be the man to do the dirty work in defense.
Looney is averaging 6.1 points, five assists, 14.4 rebounds (4.2 offensive boasts), 0.6 steals and 0.8 blocks in the NBA playoffs.
He is stepping up again after coming to the fore last season too to help Golden State win the title.
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Kerr is using Draymond Green alongside Looney and his experiment is working due Looney‘s passing ability, strength in defense and rebounding prowess.
His 17.8 plus-minus per 100 possessions is the finest in the team and the key to the Warriors‘ success.
Rebounding ability to service Curry and Klay
Looney has dominated the boards against Sacramento, recording as many as 17 rebounds on average.
His positioning is excellent and he has helped the team generate second chances, as Golden State have scored the fifth-most points from second chances in the league with 16.2 per game.
The man who benefits the most from Looney‘s rebounds is Steph Curry, as the Warriors center always tries to spot the team’s star after downing a board.
Looney is aware that he is not there to score points. For that job, the Warriors have some of the best shooters in the league.
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Recording 1.2 turnovers per 5 assists, Looney (21) receives and touches more balls in in the frontcourt per game than point guard Jordan Poole (17).
He is also an underrated passer but his ability to block helps average the fourth-most screen assists per night (5.0) in the playoffs.
For the first time in his career, Looney is enjoying some consistency, having played all 82 regular season games in two consecutive terms.
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