Shaun Livingston drives the lane and throws one down

Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Golden State Warriors won 121 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Golden State Warriors won 121 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Golden State Warriors won 121 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Golden State Warriors won 121 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

A big key to the Golden State Warriors’ success is their depth. Sure, it’s nice and fine to have Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson in the starting lineup, but their reserves are important as well.

Shaun Livingston, the backup point guard, is one of these cogs. His journey to becoming an NBA champ is one of the league’s best, from a devastating leg injury early in his career to jumping teams to finding a role on the Warriors.

And he’s been huge for them, especially when Curry missed two weeks of the playoffs with a strained MCL. Shaun is a fantastic passer and defender and is automatic when operating in the mid-post.

Livingston will sure be integral for Golden State against the Oklahoma City Thunder as they hope to advance to their second straight NBA Finals. He’ll be one of many Warriors defenders to cover Kevin Durant, and he’ll run the offense when Curry sits.

And throw down huge dunks as well, I guess.

(Vine via NBA)

Here’s another look:

(Vine via NBA TV)