The Mets are riding high entering All-Star weekend. Winners of 10 of their last 12 games, Guaynabo heads into the break in fourth place in the BSN’s B Division. If the playoffs started today, they would have a postseason berth secured.
But the way they’ve been playing lately, the Mets won’t be satisfied just making the tournament. With 15 games to go, the team is looking to build on its recent momentum and make a deep playoff run.
On May 10, the Mets’ potential was on full display in a 111 – 80 drubbing of divisional rival Fajardo. Jaysean Paige paced the team with 27 points, while Gary Browne chipped in 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists and DeMarcus Cousins added 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Back from illness, Browne has been demonstrating of late why the Mets traded for him in the offseason. Alongside Paige, who the Mets also acquired in a trade last year, the two form a potent backcourt duo that is among the league leaders in several statistical categories, including points, assists, steals, and three-pointers made.
The Mets have also gotten strong guard play from E.J. Crawford and Jonathan Han, who is working his way back from injury. Renaldo Balkman is back in the Mets’ lineup as well after dealing with an early season injury. And the steady veteran leadership of coach Omar González has been instrumental to the Mets flipping their record from 1 – 8 to 11 – 10.
But the biggest story of the Mets’ season thus far is the addition of Cousins, a former NBA All-Star whose talent has been on full display in his first four BSN games. Arguably the biggest-name free agent to ever sign with a BSN team, Cousins has been letting his play do the talking since the Mets officially introduced him on April 25. In 97 minutes of gametime, Cousins has scored 78 points and grabbed 43 rebounds while shooting 54% from two-point range and 35% from three. His 19.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in the BSN are in line with his NBA career averages.
Cousins put up the type of ridiculous box score he was known for in the NBA as he led the Mets to a tight 87 – 86 victory over Piratas de Quebradillas on May 7. He posted 31 points, 19 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks with 5 three-pointers against the team with the BSN’s best record. In doing so, Cousins outperformed his fellow Kentucky alumni Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones of the Pirates.
Cousins said in an interview with Showtime that he is excited to play in basketball-crazy Puerto Rico, calling the Commonwealth “top notch.” JJ Barea, a former NBA player and current general manager of the Humacao Grays, told El Nuevo Día that Cousins appears to be enjoying his time in Puerto Rico as he adjusts to the physically-demanding BSN brand of basketball.
Barea, Carlos Arroyo, Floyd Mayweather Junior, David Ortiz, José Alvarado, and Ozuna are among the celebrities appearing in the BSN celebrity game as All-Star weekend kicks off on Friday May 12 at Roberto Clemente Coliseum. Celebrating the Coliseum’s 50th anniversary, All-Star weekend features two full days of activities, beginning with the Skills Challenge and 3-point competition and concluding with the All-Star game and a concert on May 13. Tickets can be purchased at PRticket.com.
The festivities this weekend give the Mets a chance to relax and refocus as they prepare for the stretch run. Guaynabo has five days off before their next game on May 15 in Mario Quijotes Stadium, which will be followed by three straight road games. With fifteen games to go in the regular season, they’re well-positioned to return to the playoffs and achieve the ultimate goal of delivering a championship to the city of Guaynabo.