Just four years ago, DeMarcus Cousins was at the peak of his powers having made his fourth straight NBA All-Star Game.
But a torn Achilles derailed Cousins' career, costing him a huge payday and sending him on a journey that has taken him to six different NBA teams -- including a stint with the Warriors -- since leaving the New Orleans Pelicans as a free agent after the 2017-18 season.
After so much heartache for the former Kings and Pelicans star, the 31-year-old found a home with the Denver Nuggets midway through the 2021-22 season and against a Warriors team lacking size, he was able to play a big role in the five-game series.
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Following the Warriors' 102-98 win over the Nuggets in Game 5 at Chase Center on Wednesday night, Golden State coach Steve Kerr started his press conference by praising Denver and then giving Cousins a shoutout.
"I also want to mention how happy I am for DeMarcus Cousins," Kerr said. "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 fun for me to see him play so well. I can say that now that we won. But he had a great series."
Cousins put forth his best performance in the Nuggets' Game 5 loss, finishing with 19 points and four rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench. He finished the series averaging 10.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 11.4 minutes.
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Golden State Warriors
Hopefully for Cousins -- and for people like Kerr who are rooting for Boogie -- his play against the Warriors was enough to help him land a guaranteed contract for the 2022-23 NBA season and beyond.