In an electrifying showdown between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls, the teams delivered nothing short of a thrilling battle. The game culminated in an overtime battle that concluded with the Bucks seizing the victory at 133-129. Despite the loss, DeMar DeRozan left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans with his outstanding performance. Displaying his ever-evolving game style, he carried the Bulls, securing a double-double with an impressive 41 points and 11 assists.
While doing so, he made history. DeMar DeRozan became the first Chicago Bulls player since Michael Jordan to achieve a game with over 40 points and 10 assists.
DeMar DeRozan reflects on his recent achievement
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When asked about his feelings regarding this new feat in the post-game interview, DeRozan expressed nothing but gratitude. Maintaining a calm demeanor, he stated, “Anything with Michael Jordan in it is a hell of a compliment. A hell of a compliment. You know I never take none of that stuff for granted.”
DeMar DeRozan reacts to joining Michael Jordan as the only Chicago Bulls player to tally 40+ points and 10+ assists in a game: “Anything with Michael Jordan in it is a hell of a compliment.” pic.twitter.com/yF88ZT0Goj
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) December 12, 2023
DeRozan’s deep respect for Michael Jordan becomes justified when looking at the stats. Jordan achieved a similar or superior stat line nine times in his career, particularly during his younger years when he bore a heavy load for his team. The last occurrence of such a game for Jordan was in 1992, a remarkable 31 years before DeRozan could join this elite list.
DeRozan is playing the 2023-24 season with a different mindset
Not too long ago, DeMar DeRozan was making game-winning plays on a high clip. Furthermore, he was showcasing a remarkable mid-range game and tantalizing footwork that ranked him as the best in the league. While he remains adept at creating quality shots for himself, the 2023-24 season has seen a shift in his approach, with DeRozan’s unselfishness aiding the entire roster in finding their rhythm.
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The shift has notably propelled the Bulls from the lower ranks of the NBA. In the recent clash against the Bucks, DeRozan showcased his versatility by securing his third game in the last four with at least 10 assists, complemented by an impressive scoring average of 31.3 points per game in the same span.
Even his coach, during this recent stretch, commended DeRozan’s evolution in playing style, comparing him to having a coach actively involved in the middle of the action. DeRozan’s basketball knowledge has been instrumental in elevating the performance of those around him. While doing that, he is also consistently delivering impressive numbers and taking charge in crunch-time situations. This was exemplified in the game against the Bucks, where he dramatically scored an overtime-forcing floater in the fleeting moments of the game.
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With the Bulls looking to slowly get their season back on track, how important will DeRozan’s role be?
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