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’s likely out for the rest of the NBA playoffs.
The injury is beyond devastating for a guy who overcame a torn Achilles, was appearing in his first postseason, and hoped to win a championship and then strike a big payday in free agency.
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Just like it took the Warriors some time to assimilate Cousins during the regular season, it might take some time for them 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 probably should expect a scoring surge from Steph Curry.
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]
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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 Boogie.
In Game 1 of the first-round series 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 also might see a more aggressive Kevin Durant. Then again, you might not in this series against the Clippers: