Although the Golden State Warriors were able to eliminate the Denver Nuggets in game five of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday, it didn’t come easy.
After extending the series with a victory in game four, the Nuggets held on to an eight-point lead to start the fourth quarter on Tuesday at Chase Center in game five. Along with reigning Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, former Warriors big DeMarcus Cousins caused problems for Golden State in the frontcourt.
After dropping 10 points in 10 minutes off the bench in game four, Cousins doubled down with a playoff-high 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor in game five. The Kentucky Wildcats product drilled a pair of triples along with adding four boards and a steal in 15 minutes off the bench.
Following Cousins’ performance in game five, Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised the veteran center at the start of his postgame press conference on Tuesday night.
I also want to just mention how happy I am for DeMarcus Cousins, you know, obviously I wanted to win but that guy put his heart on the line for us several years ago and he’s been through hell, torn Achilles, torn ACL. He’s a great guy. He was a great teammate here and really, really fun for me to just see him play so well. I can say that now because we won. He had a great series.
Via @NBCSWarriors on Twitter:
Kerr saluted Boogie Cousins after the Warriors-Nuggets series ended in five games 🤝 pic.twitter.com/2WFr2AraAN
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 28, 2022
Cousins played 30 games for the Warriors during the 2018-19 season, averaging 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 25.7 minutes per contest.
After signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019 offseason, Cousins suffered a torn ACL in a workout, causing him to miss the entire season. Since recovering, Cousins has suited up for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks.
After a strong postseason series off the bench, the 31-year-old should land another contract for the 2022-23 season.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
