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Kevon Looney Reacts to “Loonar New Year” Chants From Dubs

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Kevon Looney got a new nickname after a big-time performance against the Thunder.

Celebrating the Lunar New Year was extra special for Kevon Looney of the Golden State Warriors. Making his presence felt in the home win over the OKC Thunder, the 28-year-old posted 18 points and four blocks. Yet again, proving why he’s one of Steve Kerr‘s most trusted soldiers. The 30th pick in the 2015 draft, Looney has played all his 10 seasons in the Bay Area, witnessing the highs and lows.

While his stats might not paint the best picture, the 6-foot-9 big man’s ability to step up in critical junctions has been crucial to the Warriors dynasty. His ability to hustle for every rebound and create timely screens for the likes of Stephen Curry often goes unnoticed. However, this wasn’t the case on Wednesday night’s game against OKC, when the team made sure Loon got his flowers while celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Kevon Looney Reacts to “Loonar New Year” Chants From Dubs

Kevon Looney’s Take on ‘Loonar New Year’

Starting the Year of the Snake celebrations on a high note, the Warriors defeated the Thunder. It was a notable win for the Dubs, who defeated the first seed in the West despite missing key pieces in Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga. Nonetheless, Looney was aware of the impact such a win could have for the Dubs.

Coming off the bench, the three-time champion recorded a career-high in free throws, going 8-for-9. Putting up a clinic on the defensive end, Loon received a standing ovation at the Chase Center. The tributes continued to pour postgame with the locker room erupting with “Loonar New Year” chants. When asked what he felt about it, “I love it,” replied Looney.

This isn’t the first nickname that Loon’s teammates have bestowed upon him. Former teammate Klay Thompson had once addressed the ex-UCLA product as ‘Kevon Olajuwon’ owing to his monster rebounding performances in the 2022 playoffs.

The Unsung Warrior

One of the most unselfish players in the league, Looney continues to keep his team ahead of everything. A true definition of what championship DNA embodies, the Warriors veteran’s IQ, especially during must-win scenarios is one of a kind. His 52-25 postseason record with the team speaks for itself. In the past, we’ve seen Looney unabashedly take on the likes of Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, and Rudy Gobert. Possessing a rare killer instinct, the three-time champion isn’t one to get overwhelmed. Another less-discussed trait of his is the ability to sacrifice.

As Kerr looks to groom the likes of Quinten Post, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Gui Santos, Looney has experienced a significant decrease in his minutes. Certain rotations and adjustments have even had the Warriors’ big man sit out for games, but he isn’t one to cry foul over it, a winner at the highest level, Looney has the bigger picture in mind and is never chasing personal accolades.

 

Photo credit: © Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The post Kevon Looney Reacts to “Loonar New Year” Chants From Dubs appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.