Fresh off of a career year, in which DeMarcus Cousins averaged 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds and over three assists per game during the 2014-15 campaign, this past season No. 15 tallied averages that haven’t been seen from an NBA big man in over a decade.
In 2015-16, Boogie’s 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, three assists and one steal per contest were numbers that had only been accomplished by six other players in history, the last coming from Chris Webber in the 2000-01 campaign.
In January, a month in which the team went 8-7, Cousins averaged a ridiculous 31.5 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. In back-to-back games during the month, the Kentucky product recorded career-highs of 48 and 56 points, respectively.
In 65 games played during the season, the All-Star scored 30 or more points in 26 games, tying Mitch Ritchmond for the most such games in a single season in the Sacramento era.
Key Moment
To open the month of January, DMC scored 30-plus points in three consecutive contests, leading the Kings to a 2-1 record and the squad’s first ever win at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Cousins continued his offensive onslaught in the late stages of the month, capped by a 56-point, 12-rebound performance versus the Charlotte Hornets.
Quotables
Darren Collison on Cousins’ January play: “Oh man – amazing. Amazing, flat out amazing. I mean, I don’t see how you can stop him. He’s playing as one of the best players in this league right now. There’s not too much that you can say over and over, just look at his game, watch his production – he’s just taking strides and taking it to a whole nother level. I’ve never seen this in my career from any other player that I’ve played with; it’s a blessing to see this.”
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich on Boogie’s development: “He’s grown tremendously. He’s always been a good basketball player but he’s a smarter player now and his leadership is something he’s concentrated on - it’s made him a more complete person.”
Former Kentucky teammate and current Wizards point guard John Wall: “I know how dominant he is. He’s a tough match-up and a great basketball player. He does so much on the court to dominate a game.”
Looking Forward
With a possible Olympic roster spot on the horizon, DeMarcus will be facing some of the world’s best during the majority of the NBA offseason.
No. 15 will look to strengthen what’s already been an impressive career growth pattern while working on his long-range jumper, which he hit at a 33.3 percent clip this season.
The best is yet to come for the two-time All-Star, who’s looking forward to the opportunity to play for Sactown in its new home in ’16-’17.
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