Sacramento Kings star player DeMarcus Cousins missed the team’s game against the Miami Heat after the NBA imposed a one-game ban on the temperamental player for landing a forearm to the head of Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford when the two teams met Wednesday.
The incident took place in the first quarter of the Kings’ loss to the Hawks at the Philips Arena, 103-97.
His absence somehow made it easier for the Miami Heat to notch the win, 116-109. The Kings are 0-5 without Cousins and apparently his absence was felt when the two teams played at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
Cousins claims that the hit was not intentional and that it was a result of a reaction.
"It was basically a reaction. I was trying to get him off me because when I shot the shot I [got hit] in this area," Cousins said via ESPN. "I was just trying to get him off."
With Cousins out, the Kings were playing with missed numbers from the star forward. Cousins has averaged 27.5 points and 11 rebounds this season and those were apparently felt in the recent loss.
The latest setback against the Heat placed the Kings lower in the Western Conference standings. They are now tied with the Portland Trail Blazers and are just two games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers (2-9).
Cousins is no stranger for sitting out games due to disciplinary actions.
Last February, he was fined $20,000 for punching Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverly and barking at an official. He also has three suspensions to his credit from two seasons ago, something that included a shouting match against former coach Keith Smart.
In his absence, the rejuvenated Rajon Rondo was tasked to pick up the slack but the efforts of the veteran guard were simply not enough against a power-packed team in the Heat.
Rondo finished with 14 points and a season-high 18 assists as he continue to grow comfortable with his new team since being acquired from the free agent market last Summer.
"I think his play is very encouraging and positive for everybody," Kings coach George Karl said on Rondo. "He makes everybody better. He makes the game happen."
Cousins is expected to return Saturday when the team visits the Orland Magic. With Boogie Cousins back, Sacramento will look to regroup for a win to help improve them get back on the winning track and hopefully move up in the highly competitive Western Conference standings.
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