Programming note: Watch the pregame edition of Warriors Outsiders on Thursday night at 6, streaming live on the MyTeams app.
DeMarcus Cousins sustained a torn left quad early in the Warriors' Game 2 loss to the Clippers on Monday night.
He is likely out for the rest of the playoffs.
The injury is beyond devastating for a guy who overcame a torn Achilles, was appearing in his first postseason and was hoping to win a title and then strike a big payday in free agency.
Just like it took the Warriors some time to assimilate Cousins during the regular season, it might take some time for the Warriors to get used to playing without the big man.
Cousins averaged 16.3 points per game during the regular season, so how will Golden State fill that void? You should probably expect a scoring surge from Steph Curry.
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As NBC Sports NBA Insider Tom Haberstroh pointed out in his most recent "Big Number" video:
-Curry averaged just 19.9 points per 36 minutes when he was on the floor with Cousins
-Curry averaged 31.4 points per 36 minutes when he was on the floor without Cousins
[RELATED: Kerr explains why Bogut will start with Cousins sidelined]
When he shared the court with Cousins, Curry's scoring clearly took a backseat as he made a concerted effort to get the ball to Cousins.
In Game 1 against the Clippers, all 20 of Curry's first-half points came with Cousins on the bench. In the second half, the two-time NBA MVP scored 12 of his 18 points without Cousins on the floor.
Furthermore, you might also see a more aggressive Kevin Durant. Then again, you might not in this series against the Clippers:
Kevon Durant on Clippers/Pat Beverley defense: "They're playing a gimmicky defense."
Then says he can get any shot he wants.
"I'm Kevin Durant. Y'all know who I am." pic.twitter.com/JOQkXjpAgh— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) April 17, 2019
