Golden State Warriors: 3 keys for Game 4 of the 2019 NBA Finals

3. DeMarcus Cousins has to be a factor

After a strong showing in Game 2, DeMarcus Cousins reverted back to his Game 1 form in his return to the Oracle Arena. Whether he likes it or not, DeMarcus Cousins has slowly morphed from a luxury into a necessity against the Raptors.

As the Toronto Raptors have a strong duo of traditional big men in Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, DeMarcus Cousins needs to prove why he was once touted as the best big man in the NBA.

In his five-game playoff run — three of which have been in the Finals — the former best big man in the league has been averaging 5.8 points on 26.7 percent shooting from the field and even more alarming 25.0 percent from deep. The former four-time All-star is also adding 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists throughout his first-ever playoff run.

Long story less long, DeMarcus Cousins has been flat out terrible in the playoffs aside from a marvelous 2nd half stretch in Game 2.

With the Warriors in desperate need for some offensive firepower and strong rotational big man Kevon Looney ruled out for the remainder of the NBA Finals, DeMarcus Cousins needs to get his act together before he’s replaced by an Andrew Bogut, whose on his last legs in the NBA.

If Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka continue having their way with DeMarcus Cousins, Boogie’s tenure as a Golden State Warrior will be one that we remember with great disappointment.