The Golden State Warriors were searching for answers following a 118-109 loss to the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The playoffs are all about making the correct adjustments from game-to-game and the Warriors made the right move to win Game 2 109-104.
Coach Steve Kerr made an interesting adjustment by inserting DeMarcus Cousins into the starting lineup after Jordan Bell received the start in Game 1. Cousins returned in Game 1 from a quad injury he suffered in Round 1 of the playoffs and he only played eight minutes so the move for Game 2 certainly raised a few eyebrows.
Cousins responded by posting 11 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists and he was a plus-12 in 28 minutes. He also blocked two shots and he added another playmaker on the floor to help the Golden State offense.
His story just adds to the Warriors theme of battling through adversity. No matter what happens with this team and no matter what the opposition throws at them, they always seem to come out on top.
For Cousins’ situation, he was told that he would be out for the playoffs. His season was over and his opportunity to finally play in the playoffs was gone. He didn’t accept that and he worked hard and rushed his rehab to be sure he can perform in the Finals. He was the difference maker in a Game 2 win to help the Warriors steal home court advantage from the Raptors.
The series now shifts to The Bay for Game 3 on Wednesday.
