New Orleans’ postgame locker room late Friday evening was filled with unfamiliar faces – at least to the locals – but they were very friendly ones for DeMarcus Cousins. As the three-time All-Star prepared to discuss a 117-89 victory over Sacramento, a Kings radio broadcaster stopped by, who was followed by two trainers, an equipment manager and ex-teammate Ben McLemore, among others. Cousins exchanged hugs with each of the men, then grinned and joked as he caught up with his former Sacramento colleagues.
The 26-year-old had ample reason to smile, because he and the Pelicans had just thoroughly dominated to the tune of a 28-point victory, with Cousins going for 37 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two blocks over 35 minutes of work.