The New Orleans Pelicans rookie guard Buddy Hield was ejected after a flagrant foul penalty in his team’s loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Coming off a screen, Hield hit DeMarcus Cousins in the groin and was ejected for the first time in his NBA career.

“It was nothing intentional. I’m pretty sure if it was intentional, knowing DeMarcus’ personality, he would have come after me and made a big fuss about it,” said Hield, who had five points in 14 minutes. “But DeMarcus sold it enough that the refs looked over to review it.”

CJ Fogler (@cjzero) Buddy Hield gave DeMarcus Cousins a full genital exam going around Boogie's screen pic.twitter.com/EmSmxNkbKO

Cousins himself continues to deliver big numbers for the Sacramento Kings. Cousins had 28 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists for the Kings, who beat the Pelicans 105-99 for their third straight victory.

The temperamental Cousins received a questionable technical late in the first quarter, his NBA-leading 17th of the season. One more technical and he will serve his second one-game suspension. Cousins says he’s trying to not be so demonstrative when calls go against him, but acknowledged that it’s a struggle.

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“I can’t be myself. Me playing the way I play is what makes me the player I am,” Cousins said. “I’m trying to find a way to do what these guys are asking me to do. Obviously what I’ve been doing is not acceptable. It’s not easy, but I’m trying to find a way.”

Cousins did just that in the fourth quarter while helping the Kings maintain the lead throughout. He made his only field-goal attempt, but hit all six free throws, including four in the final 1:46 when the Pelicans were trying to cut into the margin.

Matt Barnes, who has developed a rough reputation himself, had some words of advice for his team-mate Cousins after the game. “He’s got a tough rap – the reputation he’s earned,” Barnes told ESPN. “Whether it’s good or bad, We both have bad and that took me my whole career to change mine and it hasn’t worked. He just has to be able to adjust within his reputation and still be himself. He has to keeps his head.

“It’s hard. He gets beat up. He doesn’t get calls, he gets bad calls against him. But you know when you are one of the best players, a lot of responsibilities come with that. We need him to win.”

The Kings assumed the lead late in the third quarter and never relinquished it in winning for the fourth time in five games. The Kings have won three straight games only one other time this season.

The Kings finished the homestand 4-2 with impressive wins over Golden State, Boston and Atlanta.

“We had to take advantage of this stretch. I think we’re on the right path,” said Cousins, who had seven of team’s 19 turnovers. “We’ve been playing the right type of basketball lately. Guys are having fun and enjoying playing together.”