DeMarcus Cousins exceeding expectations early with Warriors - San Francisco Chronicle

BOSTON — Two weeks ago, as he readied for DeMarcus Cousins’ Warriors debut, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr was cautiously optimistic. Cousins had impressed in recent scrimmages, but there is a big difference between team practices and NBA games.

Four appearances into his Warriors tenure, Cousins has outpaced even his coaches’ expectations. He has averaged 13.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and one steal in 21 minutes per game to help push his team’s winning streak to 10 games.

More noteworthy than any number, however, is how Cousins has felt. After missing almost a year with a torn left Achilles tendon, Cousins has showed no lingering pain.

Players with Achilles injuries often struggle to return to their pre-injury form because their ability to change directions and leap is compromised. Though he is not yet 100 percent, Cousins has thrown down enough dunks to ease concerns.

Cousins hasn’t tried to do too much. Instead of going for the highlight-worthy plays, he has made smart passes and stayed within the Warriors’ system. His 1.8 turnovers per game would be a career best if that average holds.

Cousins’ defense, long considered his biggest weakness, has been proficient. The sample size is tiny, but his defensive rating of 95.1 easily would lead Golden State.

“We’ve always known how skilled he is,” Kerr said after practice Sunday at Harvard University. “What’s impressive to me is his lateral quickness. You’ve got to guard” Boston point guard Kyrie Irving “in pick-and-roll. That’s brutal for a big guy, and I thought he more than held up last night.”

It helps that Cousins is starting alongside four other All-Stars in their prime. Kerr is still figuring out how to best utilize Cousins, but the timing he has with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevin Durant is encouraging.

The scariest part for opponents: As the Warriors near the playoffs, they will get only more comfortable showcasing their big new addition.

Though Cousins has shown flashes of dominance, he has room for improvement. Cousins, who has been whistled for at least four fouls in three of his four games, is getting used to referees’ freedom-of-movement rules.

Kerr has been careful easing Cousins into the rotation. After logging 15 minutes in his Golden State debut Jan. 18 against the Clippers, he was in the 21-24-minute range his next three games.

“I think this team is full of high-IQ guys, and when you have a team of high-IQ guys, it’s easier to get on the same page and play the right way,” Cousins said. “I just think it’s a good situation. I’m not saying that it’s perfect, but it’s gone a lot smoother, a lot easier, than I guess you could say a lot of people expected.”

Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

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