DeMarcus Cousins and George Karl haven’t had the easiest time co-existing in Sacramento, but the temperamental center did help his coach reach a significant milestone.
Cousins came up big Monday night in the Kings' 116-104 victory over the Thunder. The win pushed Karl past former Bulls and Lakers coach Phil Jackson and into fifth place on the NBA’s all-time wins list with 1,556 victories.
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Cousins scored 33 points and 19 rebounds against a Thunder squad that was without star forward Kevin Durant (sprained toe).
Serge Ibaka scored 25 points for Oklahoma City (24-11), but Russell Westbrook made just 6 of 23 field-goal attempts and finished with 17 points.
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The Kings (14-20) beat the Thunder in Oklahoma City for the first time since the Thunder moved there from Seattle in 2008.
Karl still needs 55 wins to pass former Lakers, Knicks and Heat coach Pat Riley for fourth on the all-time list.