Golden State Warriors: Dubs hobble into Game 3 with no Durant, Looney

The Golden State Warriors will enter Game 3 down two of their more impactful stars, but they still must find a way to win in front of a rowdy home crowd.

The most feared team in the league, the Golden State Warriors have been devasted by injuries. The two only stars not to be injured in some capacity are two-time MVP Stephen Curry and former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green.

Kevin Durant has been out with a mild right calf strain, for now, eight consecutive games as Steve Kerr already declared him out for tomorrow. As for Kevon Looney, he was shoved backward by Kawhi Leonard, leading to a fractured collarbone which will keep him out indefinitely.

Both of those players have been highly impactful for Golden State.

Durant was having arguably the best postseason run in 2019, scoring over 34 points per game and tacking on a 50-point performance to close out the Clippers in the opening round. He was dominant, and his injury forced the Dubs to play differently.

As for Looney, his play was a direct result of Durant’s injury. The death lineup had been starting with Durant in the game but had switched back to a traditional lineup, allowing Looney more time and a bigger impact.

However, some could also argue that the Warriors are lucky. With a huge performance from DeMarcus Cousins in Game 2, the Warriors will have the out-of-shape, six-time All-Star back. Can he give them 28 good minutes again though?

That said, a lot hinges on the Dubs success in Game 3. Ultimately, it’s terrific to see them win Game 2, knowing that they can go down 2-1 and then hopefully see their four-time scoring champion Kevin Durant return in Game 4.

If they didn’t win Game 2, there’d be far more pressure on Golden State to not go down 3-0. However, they now have a little bit of a cushion. That said, this team is hobbling into a pivotal Game 3.

But, their main players will still be in. Thompson is likely to play. A confident Quinn Cook, two-time MVP Stephen Curry, rejuvenated DeMarcus Cousins and a passionate Draymond Green will still be active. Andre Iguodala, who hit the game-winning three in Game 2, will be in as well.

That being said, they’ll be taking on a Raptors team that should be at full strength with the return of OG Anunoby who was technically active in a Game 2. OG presents a more lengthy, defensive-minded forward.

This will be one high-energy game in what should be a bumping Oracle Arena.