-
Jamal CollierESPN
CHICAGO — Chicago BullsStar DeMar DeRozanScored 38 points Saturday night to lead Bulls 106-101 victoryOver the Oklahoma City ThunderThis is his fifth consecutive win with at least 35 point.
DeRozan is the Bulls’ second-ever player to have at least five consecutive games of 35-point scoring, joining Michael Jordan who did so four times.
“It’s an honor to be there.” [spot]Any type of record book, with one of the most important of all time,” DeRozan stated after Saturday’s victory. “Especially being a part of this organization. It is an honor. It is most likely [hasn’t] hit me right now. I don’t know where I am on this roll. Just being myself.”
During this streak, DeRozan has shot at least 50% from the field in all five games, tied for the longest streak by any player over the past 30 seasons, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information. Portland’s last player to achieve this feat was DeRozan. Damian Lillard2020
Bulls forward: “It’s amazing just to be able…” Derrick Jones Jr. said. He is an extraordinary player. He’s an incredible player. I told him that I was glad to be on his team. He is an amazing player in an extraordinary role. He’s a great player and I wish him the best.”
DeRozan also scored at least 30 points six consecutive games, his longest streak of such success in his career.
DeRozan has been on a hot streak, scoring an average of 27.7 per game during this season. This is a career-high, fifth-highest in the NBA, and 51.2% more than the field.
Bulls coach: “It’s amazing watching him play night in and night out.” Billy Donovan said. “When he can get to his spots on floor, he is an incredibly unique player…” He’s as skilled as I have seen in scoring.
Donovan, who was the coach of the team, gave this high praise. Kevin DurantDurant’s last season in Oklahoma City saw him play in the following: Russell Westbrook Chris Paul. DeRozan’s play continued to elevate the Bulls to the top of an crowded Eastern Conference playoff picture, where they won their third consecutive Saturday game, despite their injuries.
DeRozan was not playing Saturday with fellow All-Star Zach LaVineThe right knee soreness caused LaVine to sit out the second part of the back-toback. Donovan stated that the team would limit LaVine’s participation in consecutive games but otherwise, his condition was still day-to-day.
Jones Jr. was back Saturday, playing with a splint to his right index finger that he had fractured at January’s end.
Also, the Bulls missed starting forward Javonte GreenAfter slamming his foot against the ground after Friday’s dunk, Green suffered a bruised foot. Donovan stated Green was having difficulty walking Saturday morning. The injury may keep him out of the game for the next few day, although it got better over time. There are two games left for the Bulls before the All Star break.
The Eastern Conference’s top teams did make some kind of trades before Thursday’s deadline. However, the Bulls didn’t make any moves and decided to keep their team intact while waiting for several injured players to return.
Lonzo Ball (knee), Alex Caruso(wrist). Patrick Williams(wrist), are all expected back sometime in March.
DeRozan stated, “I think about it every night. It’s like being on a beautiful sunny island. That’s how it looks when I get back to health.” “We went get there. It is a terrible moment, but we have to get through it. It’s coming.”