(That said, he was a game-high +25 in 27 minutes of work. He changed the game, repeatedly.)

DEFENSE

First quarter, 8:45 mark: Cousins is defending the pick and roll. He slags off the pick, and is able to meet the guard at the free throw line. The Piston is forced to pass away. After a reset, the Pistons draw a foul down low. But the fundamental reaction from Cousins was good, though NBA guards might see enough space there to free up an 18-footer.

First quarter, 6:56 mark: Same situation, with Cousins defending a backing-down Monroe on the right block. This time, Whiteside gets over in time and blocks Monroe's turn-around. Regarding these two defensive possessions, ESPN's David Thorpe tweeted the following:

First quarter, 4:53 mark: Monroe is barreling down the floor in transition. Cousins fills the lane, sets his feet and Monroe collides with him. But the refs call the blocking foul on Cousins due to being in the restricted zone.

Second quarter, 5:04 mark: Monroe is backing down Cousins in the paint. Monroe spins to the rim, and Cousins bumps him for the foul.

Second quarter, 4:07 mark: Monroe backs down Cousins in the lane, but can't get anywhere and kicks it out.

Third quarter, 6:15 mark: A Pistons guard is coming free from the perimeter. Cousins fills the lane and (finally) draws a charge. The Kings are up 20 at the time.

PASSING

First quarter, 9:45 mark: On Cousins' first offensive touch, he's doubled on the block. He kicks it out to a guard, the ball moves around the horn for an eventual open jumper by Ryan Thompson.

Second quarter, 4:22 mark: Cousins works on Monroe, but finds a cutting Whiteside. Hassan draws the foul at the rim.

Second quarter, 4:07 mark: After an aforementioned denial on Monroe, the Pistons miss and Cousins picks up an unchallenged rebound in the lane. He hits Casspi with an outlet just past midcourt; Casspi draws a foul at the rim.

Second quarter, 3:12 mark: Cousins runs the break with Sloan, but Detroit is getting back in time. Cousins tries to hit Sloan at the rim, but the pass is intercepted.

Third quarter, 8:54 mark: Cousins pulls down contested rebound, turns and tries to hit Thompson at midcourt, but the pass sails over the guard's head.

Fourth quarter, 5:54 mark: Going one-on-one against Monroe on the block, Cousins fires it weakside for an open Tyrese Rice three. This is actually Cousins' only assist of the game.

SCORING/SHOOTING

First quarter, 8:10 mark: Cousins fakes a baseline jumper, dribbles toward the rim and draws a shooting foul.

First quarter, 7:46 mark: Cousins is on the block. He takes a turnaround fadeaway from about 16 feet. He hits the shot and draws a foul.

Second quarter, 8:42 mark: Cousins gets the rebound off his own free throw miss, goes back up with it, misses, gets the rebound again, and finally misses again. Pistons break out.

Second quarter, 7:09 mark: On the wing, Cousins tries to take his defender off the dribble. He's stripped, and Detroit scores an easy two in transition.