During the game against Sacramento on Thursday night, DeMarcus Cousins made a huge impact on the game. He led the New Orleans Pelicans to win against the Sacramento Kings with a game-high score of 41 points, 23 rebounds, six assists and a steal in 114-106 comeback triumph. It was a memorable night for Cousins as it was his first in Sacramento after being traded to the Pelicans in February.

The Kings traded Cousins to the Pelicans during the 2017 NBA All-Star Game after he played six-and-a-half seasons for the franchise.

Tribute for DeMarcus Cousins

The Sacramento Kings fans gave DeMarcus Cousins a standing ovation when he was announced to be part of the starting lineup for the Pelicans. During the first quarter of the game, the Kings gave their thanks to Cousins for his skills as well his contribution to the Sacramento community. A video tribute celebrated Cousins' incredible game skills for the Kings as well as lauding his achievement on being the NBA All-Star, and representing the USA as a member of the 2016 Olympic basketball team.

Among the fans of the Kings stood up and cheered for Cousins, one was seen holding a sign that referenced Cousins by his nickname stating “Boogie, Thank You, Love You, Miss You.” Cousins waved to the crowd and touched his heart while on the floor at the end of the salute. He is very thankful for the years he spent in Sacramento because of the love he received from the fans. After receiving the ovation he said, “It was beautiful, man.” “At the end of the day, it was nothing but love,” he added.

The Pelicans played without Anthony Davis

The New Orleans Pelicans played against the Sacramento Kings without the NBA All-Star forward, Anthony Davis. Coach Alvin Gentry said before the game that Davis will be sitting out with left knee/quad tendinitis.

The Pelicans still managed to outscore the Kings without Davis as DeMarcus Cousins led them with 41 game-high points.

Jrue Holiday helped the Pelicans by giving 20 points with four rebounds and seven assists. Jameer Nelson scored 18 points with four rebounds and six assists. The Pelicans averaged 48.8 percent shooting from the field and 40.6 percent in three-point line. They had 15 turnovers and 47 rebounds.

Sacramento Kings game stats

The Sacramento Kings failed to win against the Pelicans. They shot 46.9 percent from the field and 35 percent from the three-point line. They had 13 turnovers and 40 rebounds. The highest score in their team is only 14 points by De’Aaron Fox followed by 13 points from Zach Randolph.