How Kevon Looney's injury affects NBA Finals

Kevon Looney is by no means a bonafide NBA star.

But even on a Golden State Warriors squad that features multiple All-Stars and future Hall of Famers, head coach Steve Kerr considers the 23-year-old center to be a "foundational" piece.

With Looney ruled out for the remainder of The Finals due to a non-displaced first costal cartilage fracture, his absence could have large implications for both the Warriors and the Toronto Raptors.

Here are four ways in which the big man's injury will influence the rest of the championship round.

Battle on the glass

Looney has found a role on the club by consistently crashing the glass. He ranks second in the NBA playoffs with a 10.3 offensive rebound percentage among players who've averaged at least 15 minutes played in eight or more postseason games.

In the Warriors' series-clinching win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Looney had 14 boards, including six offensive rebounds - five of which came over the last 3:58 of regulation and in overtime.

Looney missed the entire second half in Game 2 against Toronto, and Golden State felt his absence. After the Warriors narrowly won the battle on the glass in Game 1, the Raptors outrebounded their counterparts by seven overall Sunday and held a 23-0 edge in second-chance points. Toronto's frontcourt - led by Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka - should have more opportunities to exploit Golden State in both areas.

Extended minutes for Boogie, Bogut

DeMarcus Cousins and Andrew Bogut will likely be leaned on to play extended minutes with Looney on the shelf. While Cousins is coming off an admirable double-double performance, even Kerr was surprised the center was able to slug it out for nearly 30 minutes after playing just eight in the series opener.

"We came in thinking maybe he could give us 20 minutes," Kerr said following Game 2, according to The Athletic's Anthony Slater. "He gave us 28 ... he was fantastic. We needed everything he gave us."

It'll be interesting to see how Cousins' body reacts, even after two days' rest. Ramping up his playing time is a lot to ask considering the six-time All-Star is just seven weeks removed from another serious injury.

Bogut had an efficient six points in seven minutes during Game 2 but hasn't played more than 10 minutes since Game 6 of the second round, and he's exceeded that mark just once over his last 10 postseason appearances. Jordan Bell could also receive a look, but he was a relative nonfactor over 12 minutes during Game 1.

Lineup dilemma

With added pressure on the recovering Cousins and the aging Bogut, Kerr might revert to the "Death Lineup" - featuring Draymond Green at the five - to keep them from being overextended, or if they're unable to get the job done. In doing so, role players like Shaun Livingston or Quinn Cook could figure more prominently in the rotation, at least until Kevin Durant returns.

It's no secret that placing Green at the five provides the Warriors with a ton of defensive versatility while unleashing his playmaking prowess. But going with that alignment could leave Golden State more vulnerable on the boards and in the post against Toronto's physical big men. The Raptors also have the personnel to match up against the "Death Lineup" and negate a lot of its advantages.

Cleaner looks

Looney's quickness and 7-foot-4 wingspan allow him to stay in front of guards and be a nuisance when switched out on the perimeter. He ranks third in the playoffs with 69 triples contested and fifth with 184 contested shots overall. Kawhi Leonard had some trouble in a small sample size against Looney, shooting 1-for-5 in 10 possessions with the big man as his primary defender.

With the former UCLA product out of the picture, look for Toronto to target Cousins and Bogut in pick-and-roll situations. Cousins picked up two personal fouls within the first four minutes of Game 2 because the Raptors did just that. Neither center has the lateral foot speed to keep up with Toronto's guards on switches, giving them the option to blow by the lumbering centers or create ample separation for a jumper.

Looney is also a solid help defender whose absence should further encourage Toronto to attack the lane. The Raptors scored 40 and 44 points in the paint in Games 1 and 2, respectively, and should get cleaner looks without Looney's length altering their shots inside.