NBA Finals news: Warriors' DeMarcus Cousins plays a reserve role for the first time since 2012-13

For the first time since the 2012-13 NBA season, Golden State Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins has played a reserve role.

ESPN NBA reporter Nick Friedell confirmed the news on May 30. Cousins came off the bench for the Warriors in Game 1 of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. It was his first NBA Finals appearance in his 10-year NBA career.

This is the first time since the 2012-13 season that DeMarcus Cousins has entered a game as a reserve.

— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) May 31, 2019

DeMarcus Cousins checked in for Golden State to begin the second quarter. He had been sidelined since mid-April because of a torn left quad muscle, per Friedell. Cousins played a total of eight minutes and finished with three points – all from the free-throw line. He missed both of his field goal attempts.

DeMarcus Cousins reported for duty sooner than many expected. When he sustained the torn left quad muscle against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, many thought his season was over. However, he already participated in a few scrimmage games with Golden State last week, per ESPN.

For his part, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr already knew Cousins' role for the 2019 NBA Finals. However, he declined to go into specifics with reporters, per Friedell.

Active for the @warriors tonight… DeMarcus Cousins! #StrengthInNumbers

🚨: GSW/TOR, Game 1
⏰: 9:00pm/et
🇺🇸: ABC 🇨🇦: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/deFoowgFzO

— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2019

Golden State backup center Kevon Looney spoke about Cousins' conditioning with ESPN on May 30.

He's playing well. His conditioning's getting better every day. I think he's almost ready for the game.

His body, he knows when he's ready to go out there and compete. I look forward to his return.

Cousins signed a one-year deal worth $5.3 million with the Warriors in the offseason. Only he knows if he will re-sign with Golden State.

Whatever his plans are, earning his first NBA championship ring is at the top of his priority list right now. Yes, even if it means coming off the bench.