We talk less about him because the Bulls are not having a great season, but DeMar DeRozan signs one of his best career seasons. While the infirmary is full, the former guard/winger of the Raptors and Spurs keeps the team at arm's length, and he proved it again last night with an immense performance: 46 points on 15 out of 24 on shots , including 9 in overtime to win in Indianapolis.
And it was he, at the buzzer, who snatched overtime, after deliberately missing a free throw! This is quite simply one of the most clutch performances of this season!
“In a funny way, it’s like activating survival mode” laughs the hero of the evening. “You have to savor these moments. As for me, I thrive in these moments. I'm not afraid to fail. I'm not afraid to try to make things happen. I want these moments more than anything. It always reminds me of my childhood… When I was a kid, starting a fake countdown, only to jump on the bed and shoot. »
A sublime fourth quarter!
Barring a major incident, the Bulls will compete in the play-in again, and they are firmly in 9th place. But they are playing hard to try to steal 8th place, currently occupied by the Heat.
“Given the way we played Monday in Dallas, I knew DeMar was going to react. He’s such a competitor” recalls his coach, Billy Donovan. “DeMar is an incredible player in close games. We really have to congratulate him and respect him for that. »
In a pretty crazy 4th quarter, with 12 changes of leaders, DeMar DeRozan stunned the Pacers with this deliberately missed throw, then this fadeaway at the last second to send everyone into overtime.
“Actually, I broke the last system… The system was good for me, but I had to get back to the head of the racket. But the teams do great scouting, and they knew what we were going to do. As soon as they took the throw-in, I found an opening. »
