Kevon Looney believes Golden State Warriors have ‘answers’ to key matchup

If the Golden State Warriors are to advance to the second-round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, it’s bound to be, in part, down to their ability to combat Sacramento Kings All-Star center Domantas Sabonis.

After his controversial trade to the franchise last season, Sabonis has formed an explosive combination with point-guard De’Aaron Fox. Whether it be his finishing or passing on the downhill in the pick-and-roll, or his straight post-up and ball-handling skill sets, Sabonis has an offensive versatility that’s difficult for anyone to manage.

Kevon Looney believes he and his fellow Golden State Warriors bigs have what it takes to answer the challenge that Domantas Sabonis will provide.

Team defense will be key in restricting Sabonis’ impact, but it’ll be Warrior center Kevon Looney who gets the primary individual matchup. Speaking on 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs on Thursday, Looney was confident that Golden State’s bigs could limit the 26-year-old Lithuanian.

"“Me, Draymond, and JaMychal have been doing this all year, playing against a lot of good bigs and we usually hold down the fort. Sabonis provides a problem but I think we got the answers.”"

Sabonis averaged 19.1 points on 61.5% shooting this season, adding 7.3 assists per game to once again proving himself as one of the most productive and efficient big men in the league. He averaged 21.3 points on 52.4% shooting in three games against the Warriors during the regular season, with the last of those being a 26-point performance in a 122-115 Kings win on November 13.

But as good as Sabonis can be offensively, his dominant rebounding could provide an even more fascinating battle. He led the NBA at 12.3 per game, while Looney led the league in total offensive rebounds at 274.

Looney’s rebounding, particularly on the offensive end, was crucial in the Warriors’ last three playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics last season. The likelihood is that factor is neutralized in a matchup with Sabonis, meaning Looney will need to succeed in answering the challenge defensively.

Golden State are certain to go small for regular stretches with Draymond Green battling against the 7’1″ big man. How much that’s utilized could be determined on foul trouble to Looney and the potential backup in JaMychal Green, though the latter is hardly a desirable option at any point.

The other major aspect will be how the Warriors attack Sabonis on the other end — if Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole can find ways to exploit him in the pick-and-roll or on switches, then that might just outdo whatever Sabonis provides on the other end.