NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: CLIPPERS VS. SUNS

June 28, 2021

DeMarcus Cousins

LA Clippers

Game 5: Postgame

LA Clippers 116, Phoenix Suns 102

Q. How were you able to sustain success over the course of this game tonight?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: Like I said, it's always just being ready to go. I realize the situation in the end. All I can do is be ready when my name is called. So control what I can control.

Q. What is it about this team and this situation that's been working so well? You've been in a few different ones the past four years.

DeMARCUS COUSINS: I don't really want to speak on no past situations --

Q. I meant this one. Why is this one working so well for you?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: I think it's a good fit. Culture is a good fit for me, personality. I think everybody in the locker room, coaching staff, locker room, front office, I think we all have something in common. We're very familiar with one another.

I think it's just a good culture fit. We understand each other. Everyone respects one another. Respect each other's opinion, each other's space. It's just a smooth organization. That's the way I can put it.

Q. Is there anything in particular about you they get about you?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: It's more so just being accepted. Accepting people for who they are regardless of what their background is, regardless of what your own background is. I feel like that's what the Clippers have presented to me since I stepped through the door, and I'm grateful for that.

Q. What did you see in Paul George tonight?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: Tonight? I said it earlier in the year: I don't know where this trolling bull---- has come from where the internet controls the narratives about these players. It's becoming foolish, man. Like I said earlier in the year, that's one of the most special players to ever lace his shoes up. Give this dude his flowers, man. I don't understand the slander. It's becoming quite silly now. Respect these players, man. Respect these greats.

Q. What is it about this team that just won't go away?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: That's how we're built. We're built for this moment and we're not afraid of it. We're okay with our backs against the wall. I think that's when we come out and show our best. Like I said, we're all familiar with one another. We come from similar backgrounds. I'll go to work with these dudes against anybody, and I'm coming in confident.

Q. How do you switch your mind from being a dude to being a role player?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: I'm not going to change. My mindset don't change. When I step on the floor, I feel like I'm the best one on the floor regardless of who is in front of me. And I know for a fact can't nobody guard me one-on-one. So my mindset doesn't change. I just wait for my opportunity.

Q. What do you think about your impact on the game tonight?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: I'm just doing my part. I couldn't care less about the individual success. We're here to try to win a championship and I'm just doing my part.

Q. When this team has gone small, how has this team been able to gang rebound and not give up too many offensive rebounds to Ayton?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: Just being on top the assignment. We realize the advantage they have when we do go small. Those guys accept the challenge. Mook has been incredible for us. Nico has been incredible for us, not only this series but the prior series. It's no excuse. I think it's all about mindset and those guys accept whatever challenge is in front of them. You have that type of mindset, anything is possible.

Q. What has it taken for you to navigate the tough circumstances with the injuries you've had?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: My life been full of adversity. Y'all just new to it. I've been going through s---. I don't expect it to stop. I've been going through s---.

Q. Kawhi goes down, and obviously you have Paul, but do you guys talk to him and pump him up?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: Pump him up for what?

Q. What do you tell a dude like that?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: Go be yourself. That's exactly -- we don't have to pump him up. We know what Paul brings every night. Like I said, we don't get caught up into these silly narratives that get pushed by the internet. We know what Paul brings every night. He's going to play on both ends of the floor, he's going to make the right play and he's unguardable.

Q. How satisfying is it for you after the career that you've been through to be able to be contributing in the Conference Finals?

DeMARCUS COUSINS: I'm grateful for the moment I'm in. When my name is called, I'll just take advantage of that moment. That's all I can do.