This is not the first time this season that the Golden State Warriors have caused a skirmish on the opposite end of the floor. Earlier this month they defeated the #1 seed in the East without Stephen Curry. Fans witnessed a verbal altercation between Jimmy Butler and Udonis Haslem as a result. Last night it was DeMarcus Cousins and Will Barton getting into it.
Denver Nuggets started off great but their offense was in shambles by the end of the first half. Much like Game 1, the Warriors went on a run to take the lead. It only stretched in the third quarter with Golden State scoring 70 points in less than 20 minutes. Their top-notch defense kept the Nuggets from making the kind of comeback we all know they’re capable of.
Warriors cause a fight between DeMarcus Cousins and Will Barton
Part of the reason why the Warriors blew out the Nuggets was poor defense on the latter’s part. Will Barton seemed to be the only player affected by this. By the end of the third after the Warriors gained a 20-point lead frustration built up. As the Nuggets walked back to their bench after a timeout call, Will Barton started barking at DeMarcus Cousins.
Knowing the former Warriors center, fans didn’t think he’d compose himself the way he did. The altercation did not escalate further but Barton was furious with his team. The Steph-Klay-Poole trio on the floor is going to cause more problems for teams in the playoffs this season.
Will Barton and DeMarcus Cousins. ????
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 19, 2022
With a comfortable 2-0 series lead, the Warriors will hit the road for Game 3 this Thursday. Jamal Murray might consider a return but the ramp-up process may last longer than the Warriors-Nuggets series itself. The lack of offense is evident and only the #2 scorer can get them out of this situation.
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