It was clearly bad the second it happened — a non-contact injury where DeMarcus Cousins went to the ground grabbing his left thigh.
The next day came the MRI which showed a torn quad muscle. While the Warriors wouldn’t put an official timeline on it, Cousins was done for the postseason.
Boogie went back to the locker room after this play with apparent leg injury. pic.twitter.com/WgzWjxA17B
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 16, 2019
Another look at the play which injured Boogie. pic.twitter.com/wBle8wHPOs
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 16, 2019
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Steve Kerr confirmed that Cousins is likely done for the playoffs, but on the bright side will not need surgery.
Steve Kerr says DeMarcus Cousins will not need surgery but it’s unlikely he will return this postseason — but they are holding out hope because a fast heal is in the realm of possibility
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) April 17, 2019
Steve Kerr reiterated DeMarcus Cousins “most likely won’t be back.”
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 17, 2019
Andrew Bogut — who was picked up by the Warriors after his Australian season ended — will be the new starting center.
Cousins was playing in just his second playoff game ever when the injury occurred, around the league there is a lot of sympathy for him. Cousins worked hard to get back from a torn Achilles, to get back on the court, and put himself in position to help a team get a ring. Now this.
It also hurts Cousins going into this summer when he is a free agent. The market for him will be even a little more tepid, which makes it possible he returns to the Warriors (although not likely).