712910http://fullcourtpress.kingsconnect.com/archives/7129DeMarcus+Doubles+Up+as+Kings+Defeat+LA2010-07-14+07%3A53%3A43Andrew+Nicholson

DeMarcus Doubles Up as Kings Defeat LA

DeMarcus Cousins is two-for-two.

He’s helped guide the team to back-to-back wins and he’s posted consecutive double-doubles.

“I feel great,” Cousins, after tallying 19 points and 12 rebounds, said. “I’m just taking small steps each day, trying to improve each day — each game trying to get better at what I didn’t do (well) the previous game.”

Along with greater point and rebound numbers from his first outing –14 and 10, respectively — the Kentucky product displayed his defensive versatility by blocking two shots, grabbing two steals and limiting the Lakers’ Derrick Caracter (14 points) to just four points in the second half. The playmaking rookie also wowed the crowd by no-look passing his way to three assists.

“He’s a double-double machine,” Kings Summer League team coach Mario Elie said afterward. “It’s sad they have to double him in the summer. I can imagine just how many points he could score if they played him one-on-one. He scored 19 tonight and 14 the other night, with people doubling him on the catch. You have to give credit to him.”

Along with Cousins’ stellar play, Donté Greene had another strong showing. Coming off the bench, Greene scored 17 points in 16 minutes and contributed three rebounds, two assists and one steal.

“Donté I’ve been really impressed with,” Elie said. “He’s been really patient with his offense. Donté’s taken one or two bad fadeaway threes, but for the most part he’s been playing some solid basketball for us – making plays (for others) as well as making plays for himself.”

With Greene and Cousins putting Lakers defenders on their heels, summer league invitees Sylven Landesberg, Devan Downey and Wayne Chism were able to find their rhythm Tuesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.

In his first start, Landesberg scored 13 points and brought down four rebounds. Downey scored 11 points, handed out five assists and nabbed three steals, while displaying his impressive speed and quickness. Chism, meanwhile, scored 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field.

“We just have to continue to play aggressive and share the ball like we have been,” Landesberg, who’s mom Ingrid was in the stands cheering for her son, said. “I think our defense has played (strong). I think we slacked off a little bit, which is why the game was a little bit closer. On the defensive end if we keep playing hard, and on the offensive end we keep sharing the ball, I think we’ll keep going on this road we’re going on.”

Next up on the team’s Vegas Summer League slate is a bout with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the fourth-overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft Wesley Johnson. The Western Conference foes tip-off at 7:30 p.m. PDT at COX Pavilion. Catch the action live on Sports 1140 KHTK, NBATV or NBA.com Broadband.

Watch – Kings-Lakers Highlights.

Watch – Kings-Lakers Postgame: Coach Elie.

Watch – Kings-Lakers Postgame: DeMarcus Cousins.

Watch – Kings-Lakers Postgame: Sylven Landesberg.

Stats: Kings-Lakers Box Score.

Kings Notes

Thanks to Kevin Sherrets, Jason Ross and the Kings Radio crew, we’re also able to provide the following audio interviews with Kings co-owner Joe Maloof, who discusses his excitement about the Kings future and DeMarcus Cousins, Kings head coach Paul Westphal, who talks about the contrasting games of Cousins and Hassan Whiteside, and forward Carl Landry, who shares his thoughts on summer league, Sacramento’s new-look team and much more.





Listen to Joe Maloof:

Listen to Gavin on KHTK:

Listen to Coach Westphal:

Listen to Coach Westphal:

Listen to Carl Landry:

Listen to Carl Landry:

Wall Talks Cousins

Washington Wizards’ John Wall has attended both of his former Kentucky Wildcats teammate’s games. Check out what he had to say about Cousins’ summer league debut and what’s in store for Kings fans.

“He played well. (Monday), he really showed his face-up game. He faced up and put the ball on the floor. I already knew he was a skilled big man. He showed he can pass. He did a great job of just focusing and playing, and he showed me a monster dunk I haven’t seen in a while.”

For additional Kings coverage from Vegas Summer League, check out Kings.com/SL10.