Cousins rants about 'God's plan'

DeMarcus Cousins, upset at reports that he may be against George Karl's hiring as the next Sacramento Kings coach, wouldn't talk about his winning shot Sunday but instead addressed the media with a cryptic rant.

"I ain't pumped up. I've just got a lot on my mind," he told reporters. "The crazy thing about it is, I've just got a question for y'all: How you gonna stop God's plan? How you gonna do that? How you gonna do that? That's all I want to know. How you gonna stop God's plan?

"Man, this city done put me through so much, and I stayed loyal to it the whole time. Hey, I just wanna know, how you gonna stop God's plan? God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. The marathon continues. I'm out."

Cousins made a jumper as time expired, giving the Kings an 85-83 victory over the Phoenix Suns to snap Sacramento's three-game losing streak. He finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds.

The Kings have engaged in serious discussions with Karl, currently an ESPN analyst, and his representatives in recent days as the team's play has worsened under interim coach Tyrone Corbin, league coaching sources have confirmed to ESPN. According to multiple reports, Cousins and his representatives have been trying to block the change.

The team was still considering whether it will offer its vacant head-coaching position to Karl as of Monday, sources confirmed to ESPN's Chris Broussard.

Karl has a connection with one of Cousins' agents. Jarinn Akana worked with Karl in Denver and was shifted from an assistant coach to a team scout when Karl took the Nuggets job in 2005.

Cousins reportedly was against the Kings' firing of coach Michael Malone in December.

"It's been a combination of different things that have been going on over the last few weeks," Corbin said after Sunday's victory. "Our guys have been on edge.

"I told these guys that the only thing you can control is your play on the floor. Speculation will be around as long as you're in this league."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.