Golden State big man Kevon Looney could see action in the NBA Finals, despite suffering an upper-body cartilage fracture in the Game 2 of the series against the Toronto Raptors, according to a report.
Citing league sources, ESPN reported that further evaluation of the fracture led to hope of a return. More testing will be done to determine his status.
The team called the injury a non-displaced first costal cartilage fracture on Looney’s right side.
A Looney return would bolster the short-handed Warriors, who have been without star forward Kevin Durant since he strained his calf on May 8 in the Western Conference semifinals. Guard Klay Thompson missed Game 3 with a hamstring injury but is likely to play when the series resumes Friday with Game 4.
Durant’s return remains uncertain.
Coach Steve Kerr told reporters Tuesday afternoon that he didn’t expect to see Looney on the court again this season.
“It’s not anything that’s going to be a problem long term,” Kerr said of Looney’s injury. “But it’s going to keep him out for the rest of the series, which is obviously a big blow for us and for him.”
During the regular season, Looney averaged 6.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game.
Toronto posted a 123-109 win in Game 3 and leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.
–Field Level Media
