The Golden State Warriors will likely have to overcome the loss of a key player if they want to win a third consecutive NBA title, as DeMarcus Cousins has been diagnosed with a torn quadriceps. However, there is an outside chance the big man could return late in the postseason.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that an MRI has confirmed a torn quad for Cousins. If there’s any good news, it is that Cousins is not expected to undergo surgery and the Warriors will evaluate how he responds to rest and rehab.
This is probably season-ending for Cousins, but he and the team will see how he responds within the first two weeks of rehab that is not expected to require surgery, sources said. https://t.co/OctIgrMHOS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 16, 2019
Cousins went down with a non-contact injury early in the first quarter of Monday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers while chasing a loose ball. He left the game and did not return.
The injury is obviously significant, so it would be a surprise if Cousins plays again this season. He already worked his way back from a torn Achilles, and this is only his third month back in action. Cousins has been playing a key role for Golden State down the stretch, but if any team can overcome losing a player of his caliber it is Steve Kerr’s.
