It was a gloomy New Year’s Eve for the Sacramento Kings.
As if a 106-84 shellacking by the Celtics wasn’t enough, their star player, Demarcus Cousins, was tossed from the game after slinging Boston’s Marcus Smart to the ground by his jersey.
In what could perhaps be deemed a “jersey-slam” – though this sounds more like an East Coast breakfast special – “Boogie” Cousins’ throwdown was reminiscent of WrestleMania, not a professional basketball game.
Looking at the footage, it appears Cousins was frustrated by Smart’s low box-out. However, this will not prevent the NBA from likely fining and/or suspending the Kings’ temperamental big man.
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK: Boogie was remorseful after the game:
Cousins: "Regardless, I got to make better decisions. This team depends on me every night and I just can't do things like that." #kings
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) December 31, 2014
The Kings will look to rebound Thursday in Minnesota; the Celtics host Dallas on Friday.
CRUNCHTIME
THREE – Cousins had 11 points and 11 rebounds on 5-17 shooting before his ejection.
TWO – Smart also scored 11 points, his third-highest output of the season.
ONE – The Celtics are now 2-4 since trading Rajon Rondo to the Mavericks.