SAN FRANCISCO – Usually, Dub Nation saves its MVP chants for Steph Curry when he’s at the free throw line. On Friday night, Kevon Looney got the “M-V-P! M-V-P!” treatment when he stepped to the charity stripe in the fourth quarter. And why not?
Loon continued his stellar stretch of postseason production, as he finished with a huge double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds. Looney was particularly productive after halftime, as his 15 points helped the Warriors surge to a 126-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks to take a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals.
It marked the first time in his NBA career eclipsing 20 points. So, how did Looney feel to hear the M-V-P chants on Friday night?
“It was nerve wracking,” Looney said with a smile. “I ain’t shoot a free throw in three weeks and I’m trying to focus on making a free throw. But it was cool. Cool moment for me. Made the free throw, so that was even better.”
Steph had no qualms at all about taking a backseat to Looney.
“Amazing fan interaction,” Curry said. “That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
It’s just the latest highlight in what’s been a career year for Looney. He was one of just five NBA players to appear in all 82 games during the regular season. After losing his starting spot to begin the second-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, Looney’s championship teammates like Draymond Green and Steph lobbied for him to rejoin the starting five.
Looney has been ballin’ ever since.
His recent run of remarkable play started in Game 6 against the Grizzlies, when he pulled down a monstrous 22 rebounds as part of the Warriors' 70-board night. In Wednesday night’s Game 1, Looney went a perfect 5-of-5 from the field for 10 points while also switching on to Luka Doncic about a dozen times and helping limit the superstar to 20 points.
On Friday night, the Mavs had no answer for the big man, who destroyed Dallas from the paint and the dunker spot. Looney finished by going 10-of-14 from the field and with all of his buckets coming within four feet of the bucket or closer.
"Loon was just brilliant, again,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s had a fantastic playoff run. He’s incredibly underrated by everybody.”
Jordan Poole grew up in Milwaukee, when Looney was the older guy to set an example. Now the kids from the 414 are just two wins away from the NBA Finals.
“The little kid in me is so excited, just because I grew up watching Loon,” Poole said. “Played against him and to see him do this on the highest stage, is just amazing to be a part of. … Shoutout to big bro Loon, for sure.”
Looney has had quite the career odyssey en route to become a key postseason contributor for the Warriors. A couple of hip surgeries almost derailed his NBA career early. The Warriors’ first-round pick in 2015, Looney was limited to just five games in his rookie season and 53 in his second year. He also dealt with nerve and chronic stomach issues, so playing all 82 this season was a significant milestone.
Looney fought through all those obstacles and served as a key role player for the team’s two championships in 2017 and 2018 with Kevin Durant.
“It’s amazing to see him take the experience of being around these last seven years and being ready for his opportunity in different series,” Curry said. “You can tell he’s got composure, he’s got experience and just the know-how.”
Listen to Bay Area sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Warriors team gear
While Looney’s name might get lost in the shuffle with Steph, Draymond, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala when it comes to Dynasty Dubs contributors, Looney said he doesn’t feel left out.
“Them guys make me feel involved,” Looney said. “The Bay Area always shows me a lot of love. I feel honored to be part of the ride. I get to come in and look at the banners and see my name on the banners.”
Kerr said Looney has been a consistent professional, no matter how much the Warriors are asking.
“Loon is kind of everybody’s favorite guy,” Kerr said. You know, he’s so respected in the locker room. He’s an incredible pro. Does his job every day. Comes in, whether we play him for 10 minutes or 32, his demeanor is the same.”
Looney is picking a good time to put together career performances. The 26-year-old is set to hit free agency this offseason and command a multiyear deal.
“It’s something that I dreamed about and envisioned,” Looney said of his big playoff production. “I always say, keep working, your time is going to come.”
