by Charlie O. Mallonee

DeMarcus Cousins has had quite a week. He returned to lineup last Monday and was involved in a post-game tirade after a frustrating loss to the Spurs. On Tuesday, Cousins was present for a “kumbaya” meeting with the Kings management, coaching staff and players. Cousins then led his team to victories over the Pistons, Nets and Raptors.

Sunday news leaked that Cousins had committed to paying for the funeral of a local high school football player who shot and killed on Friday night prior to his game.

Now, the Kings big man has been rewarded with being named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week. This is the third time in his career that he has received the award.

Cousins led the Kings to a 3-1 record for the week. Over those four games, he averaged 32.5 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 blocked shots in 36.5-minutes of playing time. Cousins recorded three double-doubles (points/rebounds) in three of the four contests.

On Friday night, Cousins scored 40 points including 19 straight points in the third quarter. He literally put his team on his back and led to them a much needed win.

Cousins missed four games with a strained Achilles tendon. The Kings lost all four of the games without Cousins in the lineup.

The Kings begin a five-game road trip on Wednesday in Atlanta.