DeMar DeRozan, at the age of 32, has solidified himself as a superstar in the NBA, and there are many reasons why he’s in the talks for MVP. Averaging right around 26 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists, he’s becoming a massive leader for this organization, and a huge name to the NBA in general. However, ever since COVID decided to tear through every bit of this roster, we aren’t blessed to see DeMar tear up opposing defenses.
Obviously, we wish DeMar best wishes and want him to return fully healthy, we also can’t ignore the fact that it’s different without him on the court. His energy and charisma are like a magnet, and it’s evident that a piece of leadership is lacking. So, instead of being sad that #11 isn’t out there, let’s take a look at his top three performances since joining the Bulls.
#3: DeMar Makes Spike Lee and MSG Cry
‘Twas the first game of December when DeMar and Co stepped into the Big Apple. The rest was history.
DeMarvelous.
34 points | 12-19 FG | 6 rebs | 3 asts pic.twitter.com/NGAlaA74IN
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 3, 2021
This night was indeed marvelous in all areas, as the Bulls badly needed a win. Only winning 2 out of their prior 5 games, it was time for them to silence haters and show the world who the Bulls are. DeMar stepped up and took care of business. This, along with a W two nights later while scoring 29, made the media realize this team is real.
Of course, it’s awesome to get a win anytime, but against the Knicks? Oh man, that one just feels a little sweeter. For example:
Gotta love beating the Knicks.
#2: Clippers Can’t Handle DeMar
The Bulls came into LA looking to face the Clippers and Lakers in back-to-back games back in November. This was especially important considering the fact that DeMar is from Compton, went to USC, was rumored to head to LA at some point in his career, the list goes on. The backstory was set and the goal remained clear: DeMar had a point to prove and needed these next two games to show what LA missed out on. And that he did.
DeMar DeRozan scored 35 points, his third time this month with 35+, to help snap the Clippers' 7-game winning streak.
📰 | @SamSmithHoops game recap:
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 15, 2021
35 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists against the Clippers all while snapping their 7-game win streak helped complete step 1 of 2 for DeMar in his mission out on the West Coast. This was the start for fans to shove it in the face of Los Angeles fans, and it was clear the rest of the team also wanted to help DeMar prove his point.
The Chicago Bulls win 100-90 against the Los Angeles Clippers!
DeMar DeRozan finished with 35 points while Zach LaVine added 29 points.
Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball each had 3 steals.
Javonte Green had 9 points off the bench.
Bulls are 9-4!
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) November 15, 2021
#1: DeMar Gut-Punches Lakers
It’s already been one strange season for the 14-13 Lakers who just can’t seem to get it going. In the offseason, it was all talk about who would team up with AD and LeBron, and many thought the Compton product would be heading to play in the Purple and Gold. Heck, even DeRozan thought he’d be playing alongside LBJ. Either way, it was the icing on the cake when the Bulls handled the Lakers winning 121-103.
🔥🔥🔥 Coming off 35 points on 12/16 shooting vs. Clippers… @DeMar_DeRozan drops 38 on 15/23 shooting vs. Lakers! pic.twitter.com/8LxY6ePZcB
— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2021
38 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists later, DeRozan and the Bulls were 10-4. DeRozan also added a block and steal, and this one felt good. After all that talk of Russ being the key piece that’ll help the Lakers dominate, we came in and took down the big, bad Western Conference foe.
The Real King Of LA?
Move over, LeBron, your time as king of Los Angeles is over. DeMar now owns LA all while playing for a city thousands of miles apart. And honestly, it’s hard to argue against this debate when looking at the stats DeMar presented.
Look at this move by the Homecoming King DeMar DeRozan 👀
vs Lakers
38 PTS, 6 AST, 65% FGvs Clippers
35 PTS, 5 AST, 75% FG
pic.twitter.com/jKx9RbijcI— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 16, 2021
DeMar DeRozan in Bulls' two-game LA sweep of Clippers and Lakers:
36.5 ppg, 5.5 apg, 5.0 rpg | 27-39 FG (69.2%), 3-6 3P, 16-17 FT
— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) November 16, 2021
Yep, pretty hard to argue against who the true king of LA is now. Some may say that the Lakers aren’t regretting that decision of Russ over him so far, but it’s clear that we have our own king in Chicago, and perhaps even the king of LA.
