DeMar DeRozan hit a game-tying jumper to send the game into overtime. The mid-range magician sprinted cross-court along the baseline to nail a fadeaway. As the Chicago Bulls managed to win 132-129 in OT, DeRozan finished the game with 46 points and 9 rebounds, making 14 of his 18 attempts inside the arc.
In doing so, DeRozan surpassed 3 Hall of Fame players on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Starting the game, DeRozan rested 15 points away from the 35th spot held by Elgin Baylor. With his 32nd point, he surpassed Dwyane Wade, eventually eclipsing Adrian Dantley with 12 more points. DeMar now sits at the 32nd spot on the list, behind 23180 points.
Subtweet: DeRozan tonight passed Elgin Baylor, Dwyane Wade and Adrian Dantley on the all-time scoring list.
If I ask if DeRozan is a hall-of-famer, you might be inclined to say no…but he'd be the highest scoring player to not get in.
My point…DeRozan's a hall-of-famer.
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) March 14, 2024
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Crossing a single name in the exclusive list is a monumental juncture in one’s career. With that, as DeRozan crosses 3 legendary players at once, it brings light to a unique moment within the NBA. It is an instance that usually appears farther from the top. For example, Bradley Beal might land on a chance to surpass multiple players on the all time list, currently holding the #119 spot. Anthony Davis can soon replicate the same when he reaches the 90th spot on the list.
For DeMar DeRozan, a window to surpass two top-tier players in the all time list is still there. Paul Pierce and John Havlicek rest 2 points separated from each other for the 18/17th spot. With that, DeMar’s feat of surpassing 3 Hall of Famers was as rare as the transit of Venus.
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DeMar DeRozan career stats
The jury is still out on DeMar DeRozan’s Hall of Fame status. However, it isn’t stopping him from posting one of his best seasons. DeRozan played his initial 10 years with the Toronto Raptors. Marking his rookie season with 8.6 point averages, he doubled his contributions in the next year, posting 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
While his Raptors days signified a gradual progress, his performance under coach Gregg Popovich elevated his efficiency. Even though DeMar DeRozan did not make the all star list during those years, his game began centering more around teammates, as highlighted in back-to-back season with career high assists. Moreover, while his 3 point shooting depleted, his fundamentals improved, something which continue to serve him with the Bulls.
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Read More – Unafraid DeMar DeRozan Made An Unbelievable Premonition Before Torching Indiana
DeMar DeRozan came to the Bulls after being ready to shoulder a franchise. Even though he has yet to play a season with proper health around him, DeRozan’s time with the Bulls has been his best stretch so far. Currently in his 3rd year with the team, DeRozan averages near of 25 points per game through three seasons. He averaged near of 19 points in his 10 years with the Raptors, while harboring a 21 point average with the Spurs.