NEW YORK -- DeMarcus Cousins’ first All-Star experience was a good one by any measure, yet the remainder of the Kings' season weighs heavily on his mind.
“It’s been on my mind this whole weekend,” Cousins said following the West's 163-158 win Sunday night. “This was a good break from reality . . . but I would be lying to say it hasn’t been on my mind.”
The Kings are 18-34 and trail the Suns by ten games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the treacherous Western Conference.
However, Cousins thinks there is still something to play for.
“Just finish the season out strong," Cousins said. "We're not a team that’s going to settle because we know we don’t have a chance at the playoffs. But we still have a chance to get better and prepare for the next season."
George Karl is taking over as the Kings head coach and while Sacramento hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2006, Karl has only missed the postseason in three of 25 seasons as an NBA head coach.
“I’m excited for the second half (of the season),” Cousins said. “For a new start, for the future, I want to see where this team can go.”