Kings reinstate Cousins

The Sacramento Kings reinstated center DeMarcus Cousins on Monday, two days after suspending him for unprofessional behavior and conduct detrimental to the team.

Cousins and Kings coach Keith Smart exchanged words in the locker room during halftime of Sacramento's 97-85 loss at the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Smart decided to bench Cousins for the entire second half and ordered him to remain in the locker room.

Cousins was suspended one game earlier this month by the NBA for striking Dallas guard O.J. Mayo in the groin. Back in early November, Cousins was suspended two games without pay for confronting Spurs announcer Sean Elliott in a "hostile manner."

Over 23 games this season, Cousins is averaging 16.6 points and 9.5 rebounds.