When DeMarcus Cousins collapsed to the floor clutching his leg in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Clippers, my heart sank. Non-contact leg injuries in basketball are always scary, especially for a giant still rehabbing from a devastating Achilles injury.
For him to blow out his quad on a gritty defensive hustle play tore me up even more. How much had Cousins been derided for perceived defensive shortcomings and lack of hustle by the media and even by some fans? He risked his season and his future by laying his body on the line for his teammates and the franchise.