Gameday Preview: OKC Thunder face litmus test against defending champs and top-seeded Warriors

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Kevon Looney shoots the ball versus OKC Thunder Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Boogie versus Looney

For a moment, the biggest storyline of free agency was the Thunder re-signing George, then LeBron James took his talents to Los Angeles and the Lakers presumably won the off-season. Nonetheless, the third biggest blockbuster signing of the summer was the Warriors adding six-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins.

Boogie has appeared in 20 games, for the Dubs this season. Their record is 15-5. In 515 minutes on the court, Golden State is minus-two when Cousins is on the court, compared to plus +108 when Boogie takes a seat on the bench.

For what it’s worth, Boogie’s backup Kevon Looney is plus +77 when he’s on the floor, in the 20 games since DeMarcus has returned. At this point, the Warriors are in a similar situation compared to the predicament the Thunder were in last year with Melo.

Cousins is the former All-Star and Looney is the young blood, and arguably the better option. It will be intriguing to see if Coach Kerr makes the same pivotal mistake Billy Donovan did last season. History indicates Kerr will make the correct decision and put the Warriors in the best possible position to win.

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