LOS ANGELES – Less than a minute into his first game as a member of the LA Clippers, DeMarcus Cousins maneuvered his way around Enes Kanter, tapping an offensive rebound against himself and scoring on a putback right in front of delighted Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.
He made his debut for the team after signing a 10-day contract on Monday, Cousins ’seven points, four rebounds and two assists in seven minutes during the Clippers’ 133-116 blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday at Staples Center.
“He was great,” said Paul George, who hit six three-pointers to finish with 36 points. He’s an All-Star. He’s still one of the most skilled bigs in the league. He can finish, he rebounds. I thought you saw a little bit of everything from him tonight, and he showed that he still has a lot has to offer. . “
The Clippers are the last stop for Cousins since serious injuries threatened his All-Star career. Cousins tore his Achilles in 2018 with the New Orleans Pelicans and went through lengthy rehab before returning. He then suffered a quadriceps tear in the first round of the 2019 playoffs with the Golden State Warriors. He returned and played in the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors and then joined the Los Angeles Lakers, only to rip his ACL before the 2019-20 season started.
After missing all of last season, Cousins returned and played in 25 games this season with the Houston Rockets before being released. It’s been a grueling and long way back.
“I went through an incredible amount of work to get here,” said Cousins. “I feel great, my body feels great. I’m probably in the best shape I’ve had in my entire career. At this point it’s all about going out and just putting it all together and just trying to stay. show that I am healthy and I am here to play this game at a high level.
“I understand the situation I am in. Whatever opportunity I am given, I intend to just take full advantage of it, just control what I can control.”
Cousins gives the Clippers some much-needed depth in the middle, while Serge Ibaka (rear) misses his 12th consecutive game. Cousins put up screens, downed two offensive rebounds, and fouled four times to get to the line in his first game since Feb. 17.
“Cousins was good,” said Clippers head coach Ty Lue.[It’s] just difficult because he doesn’t know that many plays at the moment, so we are offensively limited. But he is a problem [for opponents]He’s a big load, he can post, he can shoot the 3, he can pass the basketball. … Just get him in shape and get him used to what we’re trying to do offensively and defensively, but we already know he’s a great talent. “
Cousins also has some familiarity with this Clippers team. He is former teammates of the recently acquired Rajon Rondo, and he played with George in the 2016 US Olympic team and with Patrick Patterson in college in Kentucky.
Cousins said he doesn’t see many weaknesses with the Clippers, who have won two straights with routs over the Lakers and Blazers.
‘They clearly have a two-headed snake in Kawhi [Leonard] and PG, “said Cousins.” And of course it is everyone’s job to make their job easy. I think this is probably one of the most complete teams in the league. I just bring everything I can to help and take this team to the next level. I don’t really see that this team is too short. “
George said he is looking forward to seeing Cousins regain his All-Star form with the Clippers.
“He can still play at a really high level,” said George. “So I look forward to him getting into a groove, seeing the floor and just being a great teammate for us.”