Pelicans' DeMarcus Cousins: Soars for 37 against former team

Cousins posted 37 points (12-21 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocked shots over 35 minutes in Friday's 117-89 win over the Kings.

Analysis:

Although Cousins downplayed this contest against his former team, he certainly stuck it to them with a ridiculous stat line that included an uncharacteristic five-for-eight performance from beyond the arc (a career-high). The tandem of Cousins and Anthony Davis was simply too much for the Kings frontcourt, who were outscored in the paint 60-38. The Pelicans have two pivotal games against the Nuggets coming up, which are must-wins if they want to close the gap in the playoff race, but they'll face the Bulls first on Sunday. Cousins has a lot to prove in his new role in New Orleans, so expect some inspired play down the stretch as they make their last playoff push.