Demarcus Cousins Continues Stellar Play but Kings Continue to Struggle

Some losing streaks do have a bright side. The Sacramento Kings have lost the past five games but Demarcus Cousins is in a hot streak. In that stretch, Cousins is averaging 19.6 points and 12.2 rebounds. The last five losses have come at the hands of a Texas (backwards) two step, losing to Houston and Dallas. The Kings earlier dropped two back to back contests to the Clippers, and suffered a home defeat at the hands of the Steve Nash led Phoenix Suns. Cousins, however, has mostly outplayed his opponent, especially where he shined against Marcin Gortat of the Suns with a 41 point outburst. His maturity and patience are coming along, as is his encouragement of his teammates. He is developing a keen altruistic ability to involve and commend his teammates when make a productive play. He still needs to develop quickness to hustle down the floor to defend the transition. However, his court awareness and coordination are unparalleled for his 6-11 frame. The Kings are lacking a defensive identity and as Cousins develops so will the Kings's abilities to slow their opponents fast break opportunities. The Kings have lost two out of their last ten. But they may make a run to close out the month, thanks in large part to the productivity of Cousins.