A Royal Pain
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Game 55 Notes: DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings Defeat Nuggets

By Rafe Wong

Feb 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during a stoppage of play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 114-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during a stoppage of play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 114-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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When sports teams invest valuable dollars on labeled “franchise players” the expectations are high.

What is expected from these players are that they are able to help and lead their teams to victory through their dominate individual play and leadership.

Basically, what Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins did last night in Denver.

With the help of Cousins 39 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks the Kings were able to defeat the Denver Nuggets 114-110 to add on to their now 3-game winning streak.

The game started out with the Kings taking control and leading 28-25 after the first 12 minutes. As the games kept progressing, Sacramento was able to gradually up their lead as they lead after the first half 61-50 and after three-quarters 91-77.

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It looked like the Kings were going to win this game in pretty easy fashion after three periods of play. But remember we are talking about the Kings.

As the fourth quarter went into action, Denver started to roll offensively. Lead by Will Barton, the Nuggets started to take advantage of the Kings heavy switching on defense, and as result the Kings lead started to decimate.

In the final minutes of the game, it came down to the Kings losing their lead. During crunch time, both teams were exchanging the lead back and forth, but due to the tenacious play of Boogie the Kings were able to claw their way out with a victory.

One play, in particular, was Boogie picking the ball off D.J. Augustin with 50 seconds left in the game, which resulted in the big man going to the line and regaining the lead through free throws.

Overall, Cousins dominate performance on both ends of the court was the main reason why the Kings won tonight.

Cousins did what a franchise player is supposed to do. Dominate and put the team on their back during the most significant moments of the game, which Cousins did exactly.

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Other notable Kings other than Cousins last night were Rudy Gay who recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks and Rajon Rondo who dished out 12 assists.

Notable performances from the Denver Nuggets were Will Barton with 18 points and 6 rebounds, Danilo Gallinari with 17 points, and Nikola Jokic with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists.

With the win tonight the Kings are now 3.5 games back from the 8th seed in the Western Conference.

The Kings will enter today playing their second part of a back-to-back as they will play a hefty opponent in the San Antonio Spurs. You can read the game preview by clicking here. Let’s pray that coach Gregg Popovich rests his main players for tonight.

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