In the midst of Tuesday's meltdown I missed the DeMarcus Cousins choke gesture, taunt....whatever you want to call it.
For those who also missed it, here's some video of what Cousins did that drew the ire of coach Paul Westphal:
In writing the story for tomorrow's newspaper some valid points were raised for and against Cousins being fined and taken out of the starting lineup.
*When I spoke to Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie, he raised a valid point: What if Cousins would have been called for a technical foul? A close game gets even closer. Petrie supports Westphal's decision.
*Cousins made the point that had the Kings won the reaction would not have been as harsh:
"It was a bad move on my part. But if I would have did it and we won it probably wouldn't have had the same consequences afterward. But I did it, I was wrong and I'm taking the consequences."
I'm not sure that would matter with the organization, but it would with public opinion.
*There are plenty in the "Westphal came down too hard on Cuz Camp." There are also plenty saying he's getting what he deserves.
*There's also the opinion Cousins is an easy target for discipline on a team that needs a lot more discipline from others in running the offense and helping prevent meltdowns like the one that happened Tuesday.
What I do expect is for Cousins to play well Thursday night. The last Cousins was in the middle of disciplinary action that was made public was last month when Westphal kicked him out of practice.
In the game following that incident, Cousins had 20 points and eight rebounds Nov. 30 against Indiana.
And until Cousins exhibits "professionalism" he'll be having all his good games off the bench.
--Jason Jones
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