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Cousins notches rare 40-point, 20-rebound game for 2nd time this season

Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty

DeMarcus Cousins has accomplished something that no other NBA player has been able to do twice in one season in 27 years.

The New Orleans Pelicans big man was a one-man wrecking crew Wednesday night, scoring 40 points while grabbing 22 rebounds (seven offensive) in 40 minutes of action to lead his team to a 123-114 victory over the visiting Denver Nuggets. He also dished out four assists and blocked four shots.

It marked the second time in a matter of months where Cousins finished with a 40-point, 20-rebound line. He had 41 points and 23 boards on Oct. 26 against his former squad in the Sacramento Kings.

Going for at least 40 and 20 is no easy feat, evident by the few times its occurred in recent memory.

Date Player Team Points Rebounds
12-01-2012 Dwight Howard Orlando Magic 45 23
16-03-2014 Anthony Davis New Orleans Pelicans 40 21
21-02-2016 Anthony Davis New Orleans Pelicans 59 20
11-03-2017 Anthony Davis New Orleans Pelicans 46 21
09-04-2017 Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota Timberwolves 40 21
26-10-2017 DeMarcus Cousins New Orleans Pelicans 41 23

To pull it off twice in a single campaign is even more remarkable. Basketball Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing was the last to do so, going for 44-24 and 44-22 on Nov. 29 and Jan. 7, respectively, in 1989-90.

Cousins' insane numbers are somewhat augmented by the fact teammate Anthony Davis is sidelined with a left abductor strain. Davis was also absent when Cousins decimated Sacramento back in October, as well.

The Pelicans are back over the .500 mark at 13-12 after beating Denver. The Kings visit the Smoothie King Center on Friday night.

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