![]() With the Warriors, Cousins is a go-to topic on the league’s most-discussed team. Seldom did he bite on a pump fake when forced to guard Harden or Chris Paul.Īll of this was important progress for Cousins, whose biggest adjustment this season might have little to do with basketball.Įarlier in his career, when he toiled in the smaller markets of Sacramento and New Orleans, he only had to deal with a handful of local reporters and occasional visits from national writers. On defense, he stayed disciplined in pick-and-rolls, contesting shots without fouling and even drawing a first-quarter charge on James Harden. There were also times when Cousins caught the ball in the low post and drilled a fade-away jumper that is nearly impossible to defend. On multiple occasions, he saw holes in Houston’s switch-heavy scheme, hitting wide-open teammates for easy shots. In what could be a preview of a playoff matchup, Cousins seemed comfortable Wednesday on both sides of the court. His lumbering ways made him easy to exploit on the NBA’s most critical play. Most concerning to some fans was his defense, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. Though he flashed his immense skill, he often followed up memorable games with forgettable ones. Golden State’s roster doesn’t afford defenses that luxury.īut over the past two months, as he adjusted to his new team after missing almost a year with an Achilles injury, Cousins was inconsistent. One of the league’s most gifted big men, Cousins had demanded double teams almost his entire career. In July, when the Warriors signed Cousins to a one-year, $5.3 million contract, many feared that the back-to-back NBA champions had suddenly eradicated hope for competitive balance. “I thought he did a phenomenal job just getting down on the block and controlling the game down there. ![]() ![]() ![]() “I thought we used him better tonight,” Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said. His plus-7 in 32 minutes was the only positive plus-minus among the Warriors’ starters. With Kevin Durant sidelined by a right ankle contusion, Cousins posted 27 points on 11-for-16 shooting, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. ![]()
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