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DeMarcus Cousins was a pleasant surprise for the Golden State Warriors, earning his first start in the NBA Finals after playing only eight minutes of basketball after coming back from a torn quad six weeks ago. Teammate Stephen Curry saw the big man make the most of his minutes after coming back in after two quick early first-quarter fouls, making all the right reads and punishing opponents in the paint.
“He was special,” Curry said of Cousins, according to Tim Kawakami of The Athletic. “Obviously, you get more comfortable, more minutes and playing aggressive when he’s out there, puts a lot of pressure on their defense. And even on our defensive end, making his presence felt blocking shots, being in the right place at the right time. It’s a big lift for us.”
Cousins put up 11 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in his 28 minutes of playing time, a load share most thought he wasn't quite ready for after playing only a few minutes in Game 1.
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However, the big man had proven capable of handling the strain of this postseason, and his ability showed on both ends of the floor — getting to the free throw line and keeping the Toronto Raptors away from the basket with his inside presence.
“I know he’s been waiting a long time to be on this stage,” Curry said of Cousins. “Obviously with his injuries, he’s taken the challenge of inserting himself and making that transition smooth. So it’s been fun to watch. More to come.”
In a night where Curry's 23 came on 6-of-17 shooting, every non-backcourt contribution was a valuable one. Cousins coming into his own only means good things for this hobbled Warriors team that is clawing its way to the finish line after a grueling postseason.
