Words by Roman White
New Orleans Pelicans Center, Demarcus Cousins is forced to end his season early due to a torn achilles he suffered in Friday’s win over the Houston Rockets 115-113. The injury occurred on a second-attempt rebound after a missed free throw late in the fourth quarter – and Boogie came down hard on his left foot ultimately collapsing to the hardwood. The former Kentucky Wildcat will still receive an MRI to confirm that he has a torn achilles. Cousins finished the game with a triple double, 15 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.
“We’re not sure what’s going to happen with Demarcus,” Pelicans Power Forward Anthony Davis said in a post game interview. “We were just figuring it out, that’s the tough part. But like I said, we just got to keep going.”
Boogie Cousins joined Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans just under a year ago in a blockbuster trade that gave the Sacramento Kings Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans and Langston Galloway as well as a couple draft picks. Cousins spent seven seasons with the Kings before being traded giving the city of New Orleans hope for their franchise with arguably the most elite front court in the NBA.
Both Pelicans star athletes were supposed to play for LeBron James’ team at the All-Star game next month, but with Boogie shut down for the year, one of the reserves will have to fill his shoes playing against the Steph Curry led All-Star team. As team captain, LeBron James sent well wishes to the injured Cousins on Twitter.
Thoughts out to @boogiecousins! Hope you good big fella. ??
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 27, 2018
Currently holding the sixth seed in the playoff race, the Pelicans are hoping to gain some motivation from losing their All-Star Center and continue to win in a very competitive Western Conference. Cousins finishes the season averaging a double-double with 25.4 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
