Golden State Warriors: DeMarcus Cousins is the X-factor to watch for in Game 6

With Kevin Durant officially out, the Golden State Warriors need to turn elsewhere for their scoring. Who will be that X-factor in Game 6 of the NBA Finals?

Game 5 of the NBA Finals was an emotional roller coaster ride that felt endless for Golden State Warriors fans. The day leading up to tip-off was full of excitement with the return of Kevin Durant imminent. Fast forward to the game and Durant immediately had an impact.

However, his impressive outing would be short-lived as Durant would aggravate the same lower leg injury he just returned from. Now it appears that his injury is undoubtedly a torn Achilles this time.

I wish for the best news and a speedy recovery for Durant, but for the Warriors, they can’t dwell on him for long. They have dug themselves into too deep of a hole to detract themselves from Game 6. Game 5 was a phenomenal win in Toronto. Now the series will swing back to Oakland at Oracle Arena.

This time there will not be any waiting for the return of Durant. It is all on the big three of the Warriors in Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green to get it done.

There’s no question that these three need to play at a high level in order to win Game 6, but that might not be enough to expect a win. The Warriors need someone to step up and alleviate the pressure from Curry. Someone to be that X-factor that punishes the Raptors for scheming heavily on Curry.

That X-factor has to be DeMarcus Cousins.

When Durant was helped off the court into the locker room, Cousins was the player that filled in for him. He immediately contributed by giving the Warriors productive minutes, which was a far cry from Game 4.

Cousins looked unplayable in that game and even Game 3 to a certain degree. If Durant doesn’t get injured, then Cousins most likely would not have seen the floor again.

Not coincidentally, the Warriors came out on top in each of the games he did look good. Both of those games saw him play exceptionally well — which is proof that if he can be an offensive presence and not a liability on defense, the Warriors will excel.

It’s more so his offensive scoring that is needed because outside of Curry and Thompson, it’s a toss-up to see who will step up. The Raptors defense has swarmed Curry and they don’t make it easy on the supporting cast to make buckets.

More from Golden Gate Sports

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve

That’s why the responsibility needs to be on Cousins.

The Raptors have been throwing him off like in Game 3 and 4, but there is a recipe in there to get Cousins the opportunities to execute offensively. If not, I’m not really sure who else the Warriors can turn to as an X-factor.

It’s tough to imagine any other Warriors player stepping up through the majority of the game. Sure there is Andre Iguodala, but he hasn’t really had a heavy presence. It’s not like he’s going to drop around 15 points or so because he’s more useful defensively and for his ball movement offensively.

It is time for DeMarcus Cousins to shine on the highest stage. He’s done it already, so there is no doubt that he can’t replicate it.

You just have to wonder which version of himself we are going to see Thursday night in the final game at Oracle Arena.