Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr announced that center Kevon Looney is likely to be included in the rotation for Game 7 against the Houston Rockets on Sunday. The team may also give forward Jonathan Kuminga another chance to contribute.
Looney’s role will center on screening shooters and competing with Rockets big man Steven Adams, who had a significant impact in Game 6 with his strong defense and rebounding, clocking in 31 effective minutes. Kerr expressed confidence in Looney’s experience, noting their longstanding relationship over a decade and his ability to perform in high-stakes situations.
The Warriors, who have historically attempted to draw traditional big men like Adams away from the basket through their offensive strategies, faced challenges in Game 6 as Houston deployed a hybrid zone defense. This defensive setup has complicated Golden State’s usual tactics, making it hard for them to control the game’s pace and successfully exploit their opponents’ defensive weaknesses. Kerr pointed out the difficulty in managing Adams when he remains anchored in the middle of this zone.
The Warriors’ shooting struggles were evident in Game 6, where they shot just 30.6% from beyond the arc, prompting questions about whether to emphasize size and strength versus shooting in their strategy. While Looney’s effectiveness as a non-shooter could help counter Adams’ influence, Kerr highlighted the need for the right lineup combinations to match Houston’s defensive schemes.
Kuminga, meanwhile, has been more unpredictable, having spent most of the playoffs on the bench. Kerr praised his defensive effort in previous games but acknowledged that integrating him into the lineup would require a careful approach to balance shooting and spacing against the Rockets’ zone.
Notably, with Gary Payton II ruled out for Game 7 due to illness and other potential adjustments under consideration, Kerr will have to decide whether to keep Post in the rotation or look for more defensive stability.
As the Warriors prepare for this pivotal game, Kerr emphasized the need for the team to regain their focus and emotional composure after the challenges they faced in Game 6. Looney’s experience could be vital in providing the stability and leadership needed to navigate the pressure of a decisive playoff matchup.
With a seasoned presence like Looney ready to step up and a chance for Kuminga’s dynamic play, the Warriors hold hope for a strong performance in Game 7, aiming to leverage their strengths against the unpredictable nature of postseason basketball.