DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls is playing some ridiculous, amazing basketball right now.
After being counted out by many, DeRozan is now making 26.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists a game.
There is a reason that he’s being called a potential MVP for this season: he’s one of the most outstanding guys in the league.
For the first time in years, the Bulls are officially the number one team in the Eastern Conference and much of the success they are finding is due to DeRozan’s work.
DeRozan is the face of that franchise and they are now a legitimate contender for the NBA Finals.
Kobe Levels
If you want to sum up DeRozan’s season, all you really need to do is watch this incredible buzzer-beater:
🚨 BUTTER at the BUZZER 🚨
DeMar DeRozan knocks down the ONE-LEGGED triple as the @chicagobulls win on a #TissotBuzzerBeater! #ThisIsYourTime pic.twitter.com/rKdMtGpoM0
— NBA (@NBA) December 31, 2021
If that play reminds you of a certain Los Angeles Lakers legend, you’re not alone.
In fact, many people say DeRozan is playing like a modern-day Kobe Bryant.
He has been nicknamed “Mr. Fourth Quarter” because he has become just so darn clutch in the final frame of games.
Crazy: DeMar DeRozan leads the NBA in 4Q points.
Crazier: He is shooting 53/54/88% in 4Q.
Craziest: He is shooting 56/100/96% in the clutch. pic.twitter.com/rkgcsjMFhD
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 2, 2022
DeRozan is getting hottest at the end of the game which is exactly what the Bulls need.
Like a champion boxer, the team is letting their competitors tire out in the first three quarters and then relying on DeRozan to knock them out in the last 12 minutes.
DeRozan is playing with speed, smarts, and a sort of clutch mentality that really is putting the team over the edge again and again.
The craziest thing about that buzzer-beater just mentioned is that it’s not the only one DeRozan has graced fans with lately.
In fact, the very next game against the Washington Wizards also ended with DeRozan performing a flawless shot in the final second.
He’s playing at this level again and again.
He’s Not Alone
It’s important to note that DeRozan is not alone on the Bulls.
There was a chance that he could have been like the Lakers’ LeBron James or Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard: players putting up outstanding numbers but still suffering on a middling team.
But that’s not the case with DeRozan and it’s another major reason why they’re number one in the East.
DeRozan is playing alongside some heavy-hitters who are all playing at the best of their abilities right now.
Zach LaVine is making 26 points a game, just like DeRozan.
Nikola Vucevic is grabbing 11 boards.
Alex Caruso leads the league in steals.
Lonzo Ball has finally found his stroke again and is becoming a reliable and smart point guard.
There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle and they are all coming together behind the leadership of DeRozan.
It really is a team effort, not just a squad carried on the shoulders of one player.
DeRozan is playing an average of 35 minutes a night – which is a lot of time but leaves room for others to shine too.
The team is currently first in three-point percentage, seventh in field goals made, and third in field goal percentage – that isn’t all because of DeRozan although he is the most important part.
It can’t be ignored: the Bulls are back in a big, big way and there’s no doubt that it’s mostly thanks to DeRozan.
NEXT: 2 Reasons Why DeMar DeRozan Is Thriving In Chicago
Real Fan says
26.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists a game – NONE of those are career-highs, lol.