The Marathon Continues

DeMarcus Cousins hits game-winner over Phoenix Suns. Photo credit: ABC/News

After hitting the game-winning shot to lift the Sacremento Kings over the Phoenix Suns, first-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins let us all know the reason behind his breakout season. As he put it, it's"God's plan" with more to come.

by +Rodney Fisher


"How you gonna stop God's plan?"

That was the question Cousins asked the media gathered at his locker following the Kings 85-83 win. Cousins had 28 points, 12 rebounds, plus the game-winning buzzer beater to break the Kings' three-game losing streak.

At 24, Boogie has seem to finally match his mental ability with his physical ability. The Alabama native was drafted from Kentucky fifth overall to the Kings in 2010. He has been described in different ways since turning pro. Some have called him "stubborn", "difficult", or even "violatile". But this year, critics will need to add All-Star to the list. Cousins will get his first nod replacing Kobe Bryant on the roster.

He is having his best season; averaging 24.9 PPG, 13 boards, 1.5 steals, 1.7 blocks, and 3.2 assists. Only four other players in NBA history have averaged a similar stat line during a season. Cousins is also fourth in the league for +/- average.

"Man, this city has put me through so much, and I stayed loyal to it the whole time."

The Kings fired head coach Michael Malone in December, then hired Tyrone Corbin as the interim head coach. This move was made to the dislike of Cousins, who was not consulted prior to the move. Insiders say that George Karl would be a likely replacement, but the franchise will include Cousins in the coaching decision.

Last year, Cousins was suspended twice by the league; each time for one-game. Many media members blasted the young player for his temper tantrums and bad decision making, but the organization never lost faith in him.

The Kings biggest problem is that they play in the competitive Western Conference. Even with their first All-Star since 2004, their current 18-32 record is 9.5 games behind the eighth place Phoenix Suns. In the East, they would only be 1.5 games from making the final playoff spot. With being an All-Star come higher expectations, like making the playoffs. So yes, the marathon will continue.

So far, God's plan has put Boogie in position to to excel, the same as all of us. I am glad he knows it.

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