(Toronto) DeMar Derozan reminded the Toronto Raptors and their fans that he is still a good basketball player.
DeRozan had 26 points and helped the Chicago Bulls defeat the Toronto Raptors 111-108 on Monday night.
DeRozan made three baskets late in the game to allow the Bulls (4-0) to remain the only undefeated team in the Eastern Conference this season. Zach LaVine contributed offensively with 22 points.
“I’m just trying to do my job, especially with my experience and understanding of those moments,” said DeRozan. I understand what needs to be accomplished. It’s my job to close the door in close matches. I know how to break free and take big shots. ”
DeRozan played the first nine seasons of his career with the Raptors before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018. He traded to the Bulls in the offseason.
“DeRozan came in on that last streak in the fourth quarter and he had practically every shot,” said Raptors head coach Nick Nurse. I don’t remember the other players who got a shot. He made some tough throws. You have to give it credit. ”
OG Anunoby had 22 points and Gary Trent Jr. had 18 for the Raptors (1-3), who have yet to win in three home outings this season.
After DeRozan extended the Bulls’ lead to 108-102 with just one minute to go, Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet made a basket to close the lead to four points.
The Raptors recovered the ball with 40 seconds left, but VanVleet’s pass was intercepted by Bulls point guard Alex Caruso.
A Bulls error set the table for a stride shot from Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes, but the Chicago squad held on thanks to a free throw from Nikola Vucevic. VanVleet had the opportunity to tie the game, but his three-point throw did not go into the basket.
“We kept fighting to stay united, to believe in ourselves and to try to get the win,” said Trent. We’ve waited a bit too long to open the machine, but it shows what we can accomplish when we play together and believe in each other. ”
The Bulls led by 10 points at the half and even took a 73-53 lead in the third quarter. The lead, however, melted to 92-80 after 36 minutes of play.
As Anunoby had a three-point shot and a stride shot that closed the lead to 97-95 with 5:09 remaining, DeRozan got to work.
It was DeRozan’s seventh game against the Raptors. His team had split the honors from the previous six clashes.
VanVleet registered 15 points and 17 assists.