Nuggets’ Cousins tossed after 2 quick technicals

SAN FRANCISCO — DeMarcus Cousins’ first playoff recreation towards his outdated staff, the Golden State Warriors, got here to an abrupt finish when he was ejected within the fourth quarter Saturday evening.

Cousins, the Denver Nuggets’ backup middle, exited Recreation 1 with 10:28 left after being whistled for 2 consecutive technical fouls.

Cousins appeared shocked after he was whistled for the primary technical and appeared to be arguing with an official when he drew his second and an computerized ejection.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone stated he did not suppose Cousins did something to warrant the technical fouls.

“It occurred proper in entrance of me,” Malone stated. “I didn’t see or hear DeMarcus do something from my vantage level that will have required a [first] technical foul to be known as. And the following one, I assume Scott Foster stated he stated a couple of selection phrases which warranted the second technical foul.

“Once more, I didn’t see or hear something for that first tech. That’s one thing that we will have a look at and perhaps communicate to the league about, as a result of from my vantage level, simply did not appear warranted.”

Nuggets guard Will Barton provided his take.

“DeMarcus simply needs to be conscious. He is aware of his status, and he is aware of that the slightest little factor goes to present him a technical foul,” Barton stated. “We now have to speak to him and get him to grasp that we will not have that. We simply cannot give them any additional factors.”

Cousins left with seven factors, two rebounds, two assists and one block in 10 minutes.

The Warriors gained 123-107 to take a 1-0 sequence lead.

A 12-year veteran, Cousins is in his first postseason with the Nuggets. He performed for the Warriors through the 2018-19 season.