Kevon Looney's Absence Could Be the One That Truly Dooms Golden State

Rightfully overshadowed by Kevin Durant's devastating Achilles injury, the Golden State Warriors had another key contributor leave Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Kevon Looney re-aggravated his right first costal cartilage non-displaced fracture in the third quarter of Monday's game while fighting for a rebound with Kyle Lowry and did not return to the game. And to say that his absence was felt by his teammates would be an authentic understatement.

Yes, Durant's departure significantly hindered Steve Kerr's offense, but missing Looney's heft on the offensive and defensive glass almost spelled doom for Steph Curry and Co. in Game 5.

The stats won't tell you the whole story, as he's averaging just 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, but the eye test is all you need to realize how valuable the 23-year-old big man has been for the Warriors in the playoffs. After being forced to play bigger lineups following Pascal Siakam's inside domination in Game 1, Looney has emerged as Golden State's best all-around option at center. Having to make do with Andrew Bogut and DeMarcus Cousins in these moments is often less than ideal up against a team as strong as Toronto.

Speaking in terms of Game 5, Looney's absence allowed Marc Gasol to have more of a say in things and presented the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Siakam and Lowry too many chances to drive to the basket in a game that was way too close for comfort.

Sorry, Boogie. Those are just the facts.

The importance of timely rebounds is singular in a series that could come down to a single possession. His put-back slams and ability to secure down the paint tell us that Kevon could end up being the one player that Golden State truly cannot survive Toronto without.