Golden State Warriors: DeMarcus Cousins’ new digs…and attitude

The Golden State Warriors are riding the DeMarcus Cousins wave through a wildly successful stretch. Let’s break down Boogie’s impact with the squad.

Most experts believed DeMarcus Cousins joining the Golden State Warriors would end with: A) severe locker room issues, B) an unfulfilling on-court experience for all, due to lack of shots, or C) a completely unbeatable super-team.

The “Boogie experiment” has now been deployed for over 10 days. In five games with Cousins, the Dubs outscored opponents by 81 points, en route to an electric 5-0 road trip.

It’s fair to say Cousins hasn’t just “fit” with the Warriors, he’s thrived.

Cousins has averaged 15.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in just 21.8 minutes per game. He’s established himself as a dangerous scorer on the block and perimeter alike. Yet, he also checks in at 3.6 assists a game, debunking offseason speculations of chemistry-killing.

The Dubs average 123 points per contest with Cousins, compared to their season clip of 119.1. They love his ability to open the floor and capitalize off mismatches. He’s looked especially scary playing extended minutes against weaker second units.

Defensively, the Warriors allow just 106.8 points per game with Cousins, five less than their season average. Pickpockets like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green can now take chances, knowing Cousins is backing them.

Boogie tallies 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks on the stopping end, numbers that will surely rise as his minutes increase. His combination of size and quickness has helped Golden State protect the paint.

Head coach Steve Kerr praised Boogie’s defense against the Boston Celtics, per Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle:

"“We’ve always known how skilled he is,” Kerr said after practice Sunday at Harvard University. “What’s impressive to me is his lateral quickness. You’ve got to guard [Boston point guard Kyrie Irving] in pick-and-roll. That’s brutal for a big guy, and I thought he more than held up last night.”"

Kerr isn’t the only one happy with Cousins’ integration. Boogie himself is also pleased with the initial launching.

Here’s what he said about his new digs, per Letourneau:

"“I think this team is full of high-IQ guys, and when you have a team of high-IQ guys, it’s easier to get on the same page and play the right way,” Cousins said. “I just think it’s a good situation. I’m not saying that it’s perfect, but it’s gone a lot smoother, a lot easier, than I guess you could say a lot of people expected.”"

Most would agree Cousins appears happy, and perhaps a bit humbled. Gone are the massive displays of attitude, replaced by a newfound cohesive spirit. On Saturday’s nationally televised win in Boston, he threw a beautiful dime to Kevin Durant, leading to an easy fast break bucket.

Poise. Unselfishness. Togetherness. Boogie is embracing the Golden State mentality. It’s beautiful to watch, even for begrudging super-team opposers.

Despite the Dubs’ stellar play of late, they still have a chore of a Western Conference to deal with. The Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets all lurk within striking distance.

The Boogie experiment gives the Warriors renewed confidence, and his integration gives Golden State a strong chance to three-peat.