DeMarcus Cousins returns as Kings beat Mavericks 112-98

Player of the game: DeMarcus Cousins had 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists in his return to the lineup after missing three games with a lower back strain as the Kings defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-98 on Monday at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings had lost two straight.

Turning point: After trailing by 14 in the first half, the Kings outscored Dallas 18-6 to start the third quarter and take a 72-64 lead.

X-factor: During the second quarter, when the game was in danger of getting out of hand for Sacramento, coach George Karl inserted Seth Curry. He scored all eight of his points in the period.

Records: Kings 7-12, Mavericks 10-8

Key injuries: None

Jason Jones

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 9:57 PM.