Golden State Warriors: Kevon Looney set to battle Boston’s bigs

Kevon Looney has been at the heart of the Golden State Warriors‘ frontcourt success in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. This won’t change in the finals as Looney will have to battle some quality bigs.

The Boston Celtics will deliver a challenge for Kevon Looney, one the Golden State Warriors will have to overcome in order to win the title.

Golden State has taken pride in rebounding at a league-high rate despite losing the size matchup for most of the season. They ranked seventh in rebounding during the regular season and fifth in the playoffs.

While the Dubs have deployed a team effort on the glass, it is Looney who has held down the fort. He is their anchor, racking up rebounds and acting as the Warriors’ stop-gap for drives to the paint.

The Warriors have already overcome a sturdy challenge in the frontcourt by tackling two-time MVP Nikola Jokic in round one. Then they stumped a Memphis Grizzlies team that thrived on offensive rebounds before Looney delivered a masterpiece in the Western Conference Finals, averaging 10.6 rebounds and punishing the Dallas Mavericks.

Yet, Looney’s biggest challenge is probably going to come in the NBA Finals.

Al Horford, Daniel Theis and Robert Williams all pose a threat to bang with Looney in the paint. Especially the veteran, Horford, who just proved crucial in Boston’s win over Miami.

This is the first time Looney will have to respond to multiple skilled big men this postseason. As the Warriors’ only true center, it’s going to take a Herculean effort to stave off the Celtics’ frontcourt.

But do not underestimate Looney.

He has blossomed into everything the Warriors need from a small-ball center. He sets perfect screens, rolls to the hoop with purpose, passes the ball with ease and has shown a knack for switching onto the perimeter to act like a hound defensively.

There is an argument to be made that Golden State’s high-powered offense will be able to run Horford, Williams and Theis off the court. In contrast, there is little chance the Celtics will be able to take Looney out of the game — he is simply too versatile.