The Golden State Warriors debut of DeMarcus Cousins went off without a hitch as the team's newly minted center scored 14 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and added 3 assists in front of several family members and friends as the Warriors collected a road win against the Los Angeles Clippers 112-94 .
The man known to the world as "Boogie" made his long-awaited debut with the Golden State Warriors nearly one calendar year after tearing his Achilles tendon as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. Ironically, Cousins suffered the injury on a Friday night against the Houston Rockets.
Cousins signed a free agent contract with the Warriors on July 2 -- shifting the balance of power in The Association -- while still rehabbing his injury.
Cousins started at center along with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green. I'm not sure if at any time in NBA history there has been a team with five All-Star starters in the prime of their careers like this group.
His first basket as a Warrior came at the 10:35 mark of the first quarter. Cousins was the recipient on a pick and roll play with Kevin Durant which led to Cousins steamrolling to the basket for a right hand stuff.
Early in the fourth quarter with Golden State up by nine, Cousins drained a the first of two three- pointers in a 30-second span to extend the Warriors lead.
Playing without a minutes restriction, Cousins finished with 14 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, a block and steal. Cousins fouled out after 15 minutes of action.
If there was a weakness in the Warriors arsenal, it was the lack of a low post threat. Cousins fills that need and so much more. His skill set for a man his size is startling and placing him in such a unique situation is only going to enhance those gifts. He's an excellent passer in and out of the post, as well as being a lethal scorer on the blocks. Finally, his ability to knock down the three point shot has to be taken seriously.
Chaos ensued when Cousins inked with the Warriors in July. There was talk of the Warriors being unbeatable. It was 14 points in 15 minutes on the 18th January, but Cousins is only going to get better. While most of the world outside of the Bay Area scoffs at what the NBA has become, there are others who are waiting to see how high this team can place the bar.