Demarcus Cousins is the third player ever to accumulate 40-20-10 stat line

New Orleans center DeMarcus Cousins scored 44 points, 24 rebounds and 10 assists in last nights win against the Chicago Bulls.

The New Orleans Pelicans outlasted the Chicago Bulls last in a 132-128 double-overtime victory last night. But Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins outlasted the many who have tried to complete this stat line: 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. This was what Cousins achieved last night in his performance against the Bulls. With 44 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists to be exact, Cousins joined Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Roberson as the only players to ever achieve the feat.

While it’s impressive that Chamberlain accomplished the feat four times, Cousins’ performance may hold more weight. The NBA is becoming more and more a pace-and-space league. 3-point shots have become the preferred strategy, while smaller lineups have become the norm. The Pelicans feature two big men who primarily feature an inside-to-outside offensive game. This is a contrast to today’s game. Cousins, paired with Anthony Davis form arguably the most dominant offensive frontcourt the NBA has seen in years. So for Cousins to accomplish this stat line in a league not designed preferably for him, is incredible, to say the least.

So far, Cousins is averaging 25.2 points, 12.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the season. He and Davis are attempting to be the first teammates to average 25 points and 10 rebounds for a season.

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So far, the Pelicans have a real shot at reaching the NBA playoffs. Currently, the Pelicans, with a 25-21 record, are in sixth place in the Western Conference standings. They are one game back from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and four from the San Antonio Spurs. The Pelicans are winning without a third-star player many imagined they needed. If Cousins and Davis can continue their high-level of play, the Pelicans could shock the league once playoff time comes.