Warriors vs. Clippers: Andrew Bogut Gets The Nod With Cousins Injured Out

Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors’ foresight of signing center Andrew Bogut has paid off, albeit at the price of a potentially season-ending injury to DeMarcus Cousins. But it now ensures the team is covered in of the key positions as it seeks a third straight NBA championship.

Cousins suffered a torn quad in Game 2 of the Warriors’ first round playoff game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The big center went down after playing just four minutes and is unlikely to return before the end of the season.

Bogut was used as a backup center since his arrival from the Australian Basketball League in March, but Kerr confirmed that he will be in the starting five going forward. Kevon Looney is also an option for the Warriors, but the head coach confirmed the 23-year-old center will continue to play a backup role despite impressing with a career high 19 points in Game 2.

"Bogut will start," Steve Kerr announced after practice Wednesday, as quoted on NBC Sports Bay Area. "That way we keep Loon in his same role as backing up the center position. I think that makes the most sense. Looney's been tremendous. He's had a fantastic season and first couple of playoff games.”

"I think Bogut will do a great job. He's been great, too, since he's been back. This is why we got him -- just in case. We were hoping we wouldn't have any injuries, obviously, but that was our most vulnerable position,” he added. "We're lucky to have Andrew."

Bogut was part of the Warriors squad for four seasons between 2012 and 2016 and even won the NBA championship in 2015 alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. He was traded by the team in 2016 to make space for Kevin Durant with whom he will line up Thursday night.

The 34-year-old played just over two minutes in Game 1 against the Clippers contributing three points, one rebound, one block and one assist. But he was used more in Game 2 as he played almost 17 minutes, contributing nine rebounds, two assists, one block and three points.

The Warriors and coach Kerr will be eager to get back to winning ways and put behind their humiliating loss in Game 2 when the Clippers overturned a 31-point deficit to win 135-131, making it the biggest comeback in NBA playoff history.