Programming note: Watch the NBA Finals pregame edition of Warriors Outsiders on Wednesday at 4 p.m., streaming live on the MyTeams app.
DeMarcus Cousins will never forget what happened on Sunday night in Toronto.
The big man recorded 11 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks in the Warriors' win over the Raptors in Game 2 of the NBA Finals to even the series at one game apiece.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE Considering he tore his left quadriceps seven weeks ago, that kind of production was somewhat surprising. It was also surprising that he was able to play nearly 28 minutes.
But the biggest surprise came about 30 minutes before the opening tip when we learned that he was going to start.
How did that come to be? Tim Kawakami of The Athletic has the details:
“We talked about it as a staff two days ago,” Kerr said after his news conference. “And it was pretty much unanimous that we should start him. He’s starting to feel healthier. I thought he gave us some good minutes the other night.
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
“And let’s face it, with the injury to Kevin, we need some scoring punch from another position besides the backcourt.”
So the day after Cousins played just eight minutes off the bench in Game 1, the Warriors' coaching staff pretty much decided that the four-time All-Star wasn't going to come off the bench again.
And when it was relayed to him that he would jump center in Game 2, how did Cousins react?
From The Athletic:
“About time!” Kerr said before booming with laughter.
Plain and simple, the Warriors don't even the series without Cousins stepping up in a big way.
And now, there shouldn't be any guesswork as to who starts at center moving forward. The Dubs' man in the middle is back.
[WARRIORS OUTSIDERS PODCAST: Dubs outlast Raptors, even Finals at 1-1]
“He was special,” Steph Curry said of Cousins. “Obviously, you get more comfortable, more minutes and playing aggressive when he’s out there, puts a lot of pressure on their defense.
"And even on our defensive end, making his presence felt blocking shots, being in the right place at the right time. It’s a big lift for us."
Game 3 is set for Wednesday at Oracle Arena, and you can bet Cousins again will be in the starting lineup.