Boogie Cousins: “It’s Been A Long Time”

The Golden State Warriors (32-14) defeated LA Clippers (24-21) tonight 112-94, routinely, without any particular troubles. Some would say that this was just an ordinary game for the back-to-back champions.

But it was more than that, because DeMarcus Cousins debuted for the Warriors, after a year of absence because of his torn ACL, Boogie was back on the court.

And his comeback was with style, as he scored his first points by slamming the ball into the basket, after pick and roll with Kevin Durant.

“I feel great to be out there. It’s been a long time. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of dark days, a lot of good days, but this is what my love and my passion is, so I’m just happy to be here,” Cousins told to Jalen Rose and Paul Pierce after the game.

Say hello to Golden State Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins: pic.twitter.com/Zq3K6wNf8c

— Inside Hoops – NBA Playoffs (@InsideHoops) January 19, 2019

One of the best big players in the last several years played 16 minutes and recorded 14 points with 6 rebounds. He fouled out in the fourth quarter, and as he left the court, both fans and his teammates gave him huge support. Despite playing in Los Angeles, the crowd showed love towards Boogie, and he received a warm reception.

The 4-time NBA All-Star indicated that he is going to be a great addition to the already super-strong Warriors and that he figured out how GSW’s system works. Along with Steph Curry, he had three three-pointers, most among the visiting team’s players.

Coach Steve Kerr wanted to calm down all the fans and the public saying that this doesn’t mean anything. According to Kerr, Cousins’ comeback is just a part of a process which will end with him being fully installed in the Warriors team.

“The process is not over,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said before the game. “I think that’s the main takeaway — it’s in the middle. It’s been a year since his injury. He’s gone through a long rehab process.”

As for the game, the Clippers were around until the halftime, which ended 52-51 for the guests. The moment the second half started, Golden State was gone. A 10-2 run lifted the champions to a safe distance and after that, it was all routine for Curry and the boys, who finished this sequence with +9. The same scenario was seen at the start of the final quarter, GSW made an 11-0 series which sealed the fate of the Clippers.

☔️ @StephenCurry30 pours in 28 PTS to pace the @warriors 7th straight W! #DubNation pic.twitter.com/ObwmEIgt1B

— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2019

Steph Curry had a team-high with 28 points, 5 rebounds, but shooting 3 of 11 behind the arc. Kevin Durant was nest to him with 24 points, and 7 rebounds, while Draymond Green again flirted with the triple-double, 7 points, 8 boards, and 9 dimes.

The Warriors didn’t have a good shooting night when looking the percentage for three-points, 9 of 37.

Tobias Harris led the way for the hosts dropping 28 buckets and grabbing 9 rebounds. The rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played 43 minutes, and delivered 24 points, shooting 10 of 10 from the free throw line. Those two guys were the only ones with double-digit points for the Clippers.

Their shooting from a distance was even worse, as they made just four hits from 25 attempts. Also, they were inferior when comparing the number of assists, 11-31 in favor of the visitors.

Lou Williams skipped this game because of a sore right hamstring, which was a huge blow for the Clippers who lacked his points and influence on the court. Also, Danilo Gallinari played just 8 minutes and scored one point, due to his back spasms.

Up next, the Warriors are staying in LA to meet the Lakers on Monday, and after that head for DC to face Wizards. Steve Kerr’s troops have two more stops following that before coming back home, in Boston and Indianapolis.

Clippers have a four-game road trip, which comes in a bad moment. First, they take on Spurs, then Mavs, Heat and eventually Bulls. Many things will depend upon their injury list.