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The Golden State Warriors just dropkicked the Denver Nuggets in the chest with both feet in Oracle Arena. The 116-102 domination was the second straight time the Warriors flexed on the alleged second best team in the Western Conference. The best part was the champs got to show off their shiny new center, DeMarcus Cousins, against All-Star big man and NBA Twitter idol Nikola Jokic.
“Boogie” buried Denver with 28 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, two steals, two blocks, on 12-of-17 shooting from the field, 2-of-4 from three-point range. To remind you, Cousins TORE HIS ACHILLES OVER A YEAR AGO. People thought he might never be a factor again, that his All-Star glory days were over.
Draymond Green to @KerithBurke: “It was definitely a statement game for DeMarcus. He was the best big man in this league for some years, and he’s coming back to take that.” pic.twitter.com/vVl7O7Ikqt
— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) April 3, 2019
When Cousins first played for the Warriors after sitting out this year, he looked stuck in the mud. He was plodding, slow, frustrated, with major defensive lapses and several blown layups. Immediately, NBA Twitter at large and an impatient contingent of Dub Nation wrote him off FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON. Why? Because he was a giant playing like a man still rehabbing a near career ending leg injury.
I hope those people have health care to get some orthopedic care for all those repetitive KNEE JERK reactions.
Boogie really a liability & the Warriors not gonna see it until the playoffs start...
— Legendary (@Legendary_GK) March 14, 2019
Oh word? The smartest organization in basketball doesn’t know what they’re doing, but somehow you can see it huh?
Boogie is a liability.....Can't wait for the playoffs
— What time the Rockets play? (@BOB_Boblaw) March 6, 2019
Boogie is going to be a liability for the Warriors in the playoffs Mark my words.
— The Wizard King (@JakeVestal44) March 6, 2019
He didn’t look like a liability when he completely dismantled the #2 seed in the West.
Boogie looked like a liability last night vs the Rockets to me. Game too fast. If they see the Lakers itll be the same thing. He will be unplayable come playoff time.
— Thadeacon (@Thadeacon_) February 24, 2019
This tweet was dated Feb 24th, Cousins played his first game back from major surgery January 18th. #SNAPJUDGMENTALERT
Boogie is gonna be a liability in more tightly controlled games in the playoffs.
— 28-0 Against 6’1” Kemba Walker (@PeriwinkleRip) February 9, 2019
Through their entire playoff run, GS has never had a true defensive liability...Boogie may be the first https://t.co/T0mNcGZtlL
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) December 27, 2018
Love Boogie, but I’m with @BillSimmons: How can Boogie play more than 15 minutes in a playoff game, the defensive liability outweighs the offense.
— Matt Parker (@mattaparker) March 14, 2019
I’m gonna need people to stop referring to the “playoffs” as a mysterious black hole that will swallow the Warriors alive and push them past the breaking point. We know exactly what teams are headed into the postseason and the Warriors signed Cousins SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT TIME PERIOD.
I mean, won’t the Nuggets get into the playoffs according to that fancy #2 seed? Do you think that’s a problem for Cousins?
Is DeMarcus Cousins (28 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists) trolling Nikola Jokic (10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 turnover) by pretending to look for him? pic.twitter.com/PpyhyARwwT
— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) April 3, 2019
What about the Thunder, they’re headed to the playoffs. Also, they’re who Boogie flustered on both ends in a 110-88 destruction in Oklahoma City the last time the two teams squared off.
OKC's offense is looking quite ugly so far. Cousins is fully engaged defensively and causing trouble
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) March 17, 2019
OH, I know, you’re thinking about what if they meet those sneaky Houston Rockets, right?
“Omg, James Harden and Chris Paul are so amazing that they’ll just run Cousins off the floor.”
- What you may be thinking 4/3/2019
That’s certainly a conundrum to consider; two masterful iso players dragging the heavy-footed Cousins out an island. But did you consider that Cousins also brings a major dilemma for the Rockets to figure out? Mainly, how will they defend the champs once Boogie turns Houston center Clint Capela into BBQ chicken again? Cousins slapped 27-8-7 on Houston the last time he saw them.
People are more than welcome to keep doubting Boogie’s ability to help the Warriors in the postseason, but I think it’s becoming less and less likely that he’ll be a liability. The scary part is the pendulum seems to be swinging in the other direction: Cousins might just dominate the playoffs.
Poll
Who was your Warrior Wonder in the Denver beatdown?
This poll is closed
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5%
Steph Curry
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16%
Kevin Durant
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75%
DeMarcus Cousins
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0%
Draymond Green
-
1%
Klay Thompson
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