DeMarcus Cousins out indefinitely amid playoffs after muscle tear

Golden State Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins reacts after falling to the floor during the first half of Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers in Oakland, Calif., Monday, April 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Golden State Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins faces an indefinite injury layoff after suffering a torn quadriceps muscle in the NBA champions’ defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers, it was confirmed Tuesday.

Cousins exited Monday’s game-two loss in the first quarter clutching his left quad. An MRI scan on Tuesday confirmed a torn muscle.

“The injury will sideline Cousins indefinitely and he will begin rehabilitation immediately,” a Warriors statement said. “Updates on his progress will be provided as appropriate.”

US media reports Tuesday said the injury is likely to have ended Cousins’ season.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr on Monday said the injury was “significant” and expected Cousins to be out “for a while”.

Cousins exit came with the Warriors leading 11-9 in Monday’s game.

The 28-year-old collapsed to the court and failed to get up after he lunged for a loose ball.

The Warriors later suffered a stunning defeat, blowing a 31-point lead as the Clippers completed the biggest comeback in NBA playoff history to win 135-131 and level the series 1-1.

Game three in the series takes place in Los Angeles on Thursday.