DeMarcus Cousins benched to start game for first time all season

DeMarcus Cousins continues to have issues with the Sacramento Kings, but he found himself in a new position Friday: on the bench to start a game.

Cousins was informed after shootaround Friday that he would not be starting the Kings’ game against the Dallas Mavericks that night. It appears that he was not given a reason for the benching.

“I don’t have to be given a reason. He’s the coach,” Cousins said, per Cowbell Kingdom’s Jonathan Santiago.

Cousins only played nine minutes, recording six points and two rebounds. He did not enter the game until early in the second quarter, and he did not play after being removed with 2:51 remaining in the first half.

Cousins reportedly was in a good mood after the game despite the benching. Fans were chanting “we want Cousins” late in the game, and Santiago says the big man even participated in the T-shirt toss during a timeout.

Cousins seemed to have a casual response to the whole thing.

“Am I surprised? Oh, not at all,” he answered when asked about not getting back into the game following the second quarter.

Cousins has been benched during a game for arguing with coach Keith Smart, and he’s been ejected by referees mid-game. But being benched to start a game is something new. I’m guessing something happened that he isn’t openly discussing.

Sacramento lost 117-108 with him playing limited minutes.