3 Warriors who are stepping up without Stephen Curry
By Ryan Heckman
While Warriors guard Stephen Curry has been out, three particular members of his supporting cast are stepping up in a big way.
The Golden State Warriors have had to play nine games in a row without the help of future Hall of Fame guard Stephen Curry, but now appear to be hitting their stride while waiting for his return.
Golden State took on the Atlanta Hawks Monday night in what ended up being one of the wildest games of the season so far. Taking each other into double overtime, the Warriors and Hawks combined for 284 points in total, with the Dubs winning 143-141.
This game was just one example of the team stepping up in the wake of Curry’s shoulder ailment, but we can’t give enough appreciation to what a few key players are doing in particular.
Warriors who are stepping up without Steph Curry: Kevon Looney
In the Warriors’ double overtime victory over the Hawks, Kevon Looney played a vital role. Bringing him back was an underrated move by the Dubs, but he’s proven to be irreplaceable as a guy that does so many little things well.
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In this game, though, it was his clutch put-back that won the game for Golden State. That game-winning rebound and putback were good for his 20th rebound on the night and a whopping 10th offensive board.
His 10 offensive rebounds were a season-high, and there was no more important shot for Looney’s season than the one which gave the Warriors their fifth win in a row. There are a few heroes who have played well without Curry, but Looney’s play cannot be overstated. He’s been fantastic as of late, pulling down 43 boards in his last three games.