Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney flashed some serious defensive instincts on Tuesday — not on the court, but during a pregame interview.
While speaking with NBC Sports reporter Kerith Burke ahead of the Warriors’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center, Looney noticed a stray ball flying straight toward Burke.
In perfect timing, he reached out and swatted it away, shielding her from a potential hit — all while mid-sentence, and ironically, talking about playing “good defense.”
Without missing a beat, Looney calmly continued answering the question as a stunned and grateful Burke smiled in amazement.
The moment immediately drew comparisons to the viral video of MLB star Evan Longoria catching a line drive to save a reporter during an interview. The key difference? Longoria’s clip was staged for a Gillette ad. Looney’s save was completely real — and impressive.
The 29-year-old big man has been one of the Warriors’ most dependable role players over the years. While his stats have never been flashy — he’s never averaged more than 7 points per game — Looney’s value has been felt in countless little ways, like this unexpected moment of heroism.
One of his teammates has even suggested Looney’s jersey should be retired someday. If he keeps making plays like this — both on and off the court — that case only gets stronger.
