3 Warriors that must step up to ensure a Game 6 victory

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a basket against the LA Clippers during Game Two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a basket against the LA Clippers during Game Two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kevon Looney

After the Game 2 injury to DeMarcus Cousins, the Warriors asked both Andrew Bogut and Kevon Looney to step up. Bogut has given exactly what’s been asked of him. However, the Dubs will need more from Looney, especially if they advance to play the Houston Rockets.

Looney was trusted with late-fourth quarter minutes. In those minutes, Looney, off a feed from Durant, went for a game-changing dunk just to be met at the rim by the furious Montrezl Harrell. This took any momentum away from Golden State and gave it back to Los Angeles.

Obviously, that one play isn’t how Looney’s entire play this series should be defined. Looney, outside of the first two games, has been his typically-efficient self. However, he hasn’t been producing enough on the offensive end.

After a 19-point outing in Game 2, Looney’s combined for just 17 points throughout the last three games. With just five points in Game 5, Looney’s 2-for-8 from the field would’ve tied his sixth-worst shooting performance of the season.

The Warriors don’t have Boogie to get easy buckets down low. And, Bogut, who is the Dubs starting center, likely won’t see over 25 minutes per game. That said, the Dubs need Looney to step up on the offensive end of the floor.

If he plays a role in the Dubs offense and is efficient in Game 6, expect the Dubs to be put in a much better position than they were in Game 5.