The Warriors have been riddled with injuries this postseason. Despite DeMarcus’ Cousins return in Game 2, Golden State has remained without Kevin Durant, who suffered a calf strain in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets.
Durant won’t play in Game 4 against the Raptors, which cast further doubt on whether he’ll return at all for the Finals. The Warriors, however, will get back Klay Thompson after he missed Game 3 with a hamstring strain.
But by far the biggest surprise is the apparent return of Kevon Looney, who was previously ruled of the remainder of the postseason after suffering a fractured collarbone against Toronto in Game 2. Yet head coach Steve Kerr told reporters prior to tip off that Looney had been re-evaluated and, in a major turn of events, is set to play in Game 4 on Friday night.
Kevon Looney is going to give it a go, Kerr says.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) June 7, 2019
Kerr said they got a second opinion and did research into the long-term risk, and that determined he could give it a shot.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) June 7, 2019
While it may not show up in the box score, Looney has been a crucial piece for the Warriors with his defense and rebounding. His return helps shore up their front line, which struggled in Game 3 as Cousins couldn’t quite replicate his solid play in the previous game. With all the injuries, getting both Klay and Looney back should be a huge morale boost.
