{"id":216849,"date":"2026-03-12T19:15:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T19:15:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/216849\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T19:15:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T19:15:37","slug":"demar-derozan-on-how-his-love-of-the-game-keeps-pushing-him","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/216849\/","title":{"rendered":"DeMar DeRozan on how his love of the game keeps pushing him"},"content":{"rendered":"

Following the Sacramento Kings\u2019 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday <\/a>night<\/a>, veteran DeMar DeRozan shared candid thoughts on the challenges the team has faced this season. <\/p>\n

With the Kings officially eliminated from playoff contention\u00a0and holding a 16-51 record\u2014the worst in the Western Conference and tied for the league\u2019s worst with Indiana\u2014DeRozan emphasized perspective, professionalism, and a love for the game above all else.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, this sucks, but I\u2019ll take this over a lot of stuff that I went through in my life,\u201d DeRozan said following the loss, Sacramento\u2019s 21st over their past 25 games.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, I\u2019m pretty sure anybody who has a job wishes every day you go to work, and everything is just great, but it doesn\u2019t work like that. You\u2019re going to go through your ups and downs, and when things are great, you enjoy it. But you\u2019re really tested and see who you are when things are tough.\u201d<\/p>\n

DeRozan poured in a season-high 39 points on an incredible 17-of-22 (77%) shooting performance, but the Kings fell short to the up-and-coming Hornets in crunch time.<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

(Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

More from DeMar DeRozan<\/p>\n

Despite this season\u2019s disappointing results, the 36-year-old stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and passion as the offseason approaches.<\/p>\n

\u201cNobody wants to be in the position we\u2019re in, but since we are, you still have to be professional at the end of the day. That\u2019s what it comes down to. Have love for the game, be professional. If you play long enough, you\u2019re not going to have great years every year. Like I said, it goes back to loving the game. I just love hooping.\u201d<\/p>\n

DeRozan, a 16-year veteran known for his scoring and leadership during a storied career that saw him pass Tim Duncan for 18th on the NBA\u2019s all-time scoring list, reflected on his approach to basketball, highlighting that his passion has remained unwavering even amid a tough season for Sacramento.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnybody who knows me sees me playing in the Drew League for free in the summertime or at open runs. I just love the game, and I try to find enjoyment and happiness within it even when things are tough. I always try to put things in perspective with life and where I come from.\u201d<\/p>\n

This season has tested the Sacramento Kings in multiple ways, but DeRozan\u2019s comments underscore a commitment to focus on what he can control\u2014effort, attitude, and love for the game. <\/p>\n

While Sacramento\u2019s playoff hopes are gone and their record reflects ongoing challenges, DeMar DeRozan\u2019s perspective serves as a reminder that even in adversity, professionalism and passion can provide a sense of purpose.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll see if that sense translates into more wins in 2026-27, but for now, DeRozan and the Kings will play out the final weeks of a lost season as they look towards what they hope will be a brighter future.<\/p>\n

DeRozan, who has a partially guaranteed deal for the 2026-27 season, may not stick around to see if those bright days arrive next year, but his professionalism will always stick out the most when we look back on and reflect on his time as a King.<\/p>\n

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings will make a brief one-game road trip to Los Angeles for a matchup against the red-hot Clippers.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles is 2-0 against the Kings this season, including a 114-111 win over Sacramento in the most recent meeting between these two Pacific Division foes on February 6th.<\/p>\n

Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:00 PM PT on Game Night before a 7:30 pm PT tip-off from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season<\/p>\n

Saturday, March 14th @ Los Angeles Clippers \u2013 7:30 PM PT
\nSunday, March 15th vs. Utah Jazz \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nTuesday, March 17th vs. San Antonio Spurs \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nThursday, March 19th vs. Philadelphia 76ers \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nSunday, March 22nd vs. Brooklyn Nets \u2013 3:00 PM PT<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n

Follow @FCartoscelli3<\/a><\/p>\n

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