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DeMarcus Cousins return shows everything that’s right with the Warriors

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 18: DeMarcus Cousins #0, and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors hi-five each other during the game against the LA Clippers on January 18, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 18: DeMarcus Cousins #0, and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors hi-five each other during the game against the LA Clippers on January 18, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DeMarcus Cousins’ return has shown everything that right with the Golden State Warriors’ league-changing culture.

The Golden State Warriors were thought to implode upon the return of DeMarcus Cousins. He was going to take his own shots, create his own buckets and forget about his superstar teammates. Well, let’s just say that didn’t happen, and he’s starting to prove all the haters wrong.

Cousins returned, and he looked great. The death lineup with Cousins at the center has taken Golden State to the next level, a level that seemed unobtainable. Per Tom Haberstroh, the Warriors death lineup has been absolutely dominant in their little time together.

That’s what domination looks like.

Cousins’ return displays Golden State’s culture. They’ve been +35 in the time they’ve spent on the court together. They’ve involved Cousins, and he’s returned to be better than most fans had expected.

He won’t be a 25 and 13 guy anymore. That Cousins could return next season, but for the meantime, it’ll be put on hold while he shares his time on the court with two superstar talents. In his two games back, he’s averaging just 11 points per game.

His stats this season shouldn’t cover up the monster hiding underneath. He’s not going to take off like those Cousins’ diehard fans had hoped. What he will do is showcase how the Warriors culture has evolved and how inclusive it is even with their level of star power.

Watching the games is a treat for fans. The team looks like they’re enjoying their time together. When Cousins is on the court and getting mad, his teammates are egging him on to play better, to be better. The backing of his teammates should mean the world to Cousins.

What means more to the team and its fans is the fact that Golden State is absolutely dominating their opponents. They’ve won eight straight games and have been clearly better than each of their last eight opponents.

Everything that’s right with the Warriors can be seen in Golden State’s last month of basketball. They’ve gone from their most consecutive losses in five years earlier this season to winning eight straight and reigning over the conference once again.

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This is what Warrior basketball has been about, and the continued improved and backing of DeMarcus Cousins showcases that.

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