NBA Notes: Kings, DeMar DeRozan, Suns, Schedule, Warriors

Kings

DeMar DeRozan was mentioned in trade rumors before the deadline. The Kings ultimately kept their veteran scorer. Right now, they’re probably glad they did.

DeRozan has been on a tear lately, including a season-high 41 points on Sunday.

Coach Doug Christie says the steady presence is exactly what the Kings need.

“He’s like a comfy blanket,” Christie said, per Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee. “It doesn’t surprise me. You watch him go about his business, you watch him work and then you see him play, it’s the same thing.”

In other words, dependable scoring. Night after night.

Suns

The Suns are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. The problem is what lies ahead.

Phoenix, currently 39-28, has the third-toughest remaining schedule in the league, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. The Suns sit seventh in the West and are trying to climb out of play-in territory.

Guard Collin Gillespie said the urgency is obvious.

“Every game is super important,” Gillespie said. “We’ve got to take it one game at a time. We can’t let the little details slip. We know we’re fighting for something every game.”

Phoenix wraps up a demanding road trip with stops in Boston, Minnesota and San Antonio.

Warriors

Warriors coach Steve Kerr once again made his case for shortening the NBA schedule.

Kerr believes trimming the 82-game season could improve the overall product, even if it means less revenue.

“I’m well aware fewer games would mean less revenue and everybody takes a pay cut,” Kerr said, via SNY’s Ian Begley. “I’m willing to stick my neck out and say I’m all for that because the quality of the product is the most important thing.”

Kerr suggested cutting roughly 10 games from the schedule.

“We have incredible people in this league and great fans,” he said. “I just want to make sure we give our fans the very best product we can.”