5 surprises key to Golden State Warriors’ success
![Dec 23, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) gestures after shooting a three-point basket during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports Dec 23, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) gestures after shooting a three-point basket during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d6f2b580b251cd315acc97d228ab8df991314b2dae682a934254d86a7a063e23.jpg)
2) Looney’s durability
During his seven-year NBA career, Kevon Looney has built a reputation for being injury-prone, only playing 70 games once in his career.
This season, Kevon Looney has been sturdy as a workhorse. He has played in all 49 of the Warriors’ games and is averaging a career-high in minutes (20.8) and rebounds (7.2).
His impact on the game doesn’t usually show up in the stat sheet, but anyone on the Warriors will tell you how crucial he is to their play. His screen setting, passing, and defense make him the perfect fit for Kerr’s motion offense system.
With James Wiseman having yet to play this year, Looney’s durability has been key for shoring up the Warriors’ frontcourt.