DeMar DeRozan passes Hall of Famers on NBA all-time scoring list
DeMar DeRozan is proving that age is just a number as he continues to dominate on the basketball court. The Chicago Bulls’ star has been a consistent scorer in the NBA for over a decade, and at 35 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down. In a recent showdown against the Indiana Pacers, DeRozan displayed his scoring prowess by erupting for a season-high 46 points, leading the Bulls to a thrilling 132-129 victory.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading blows in the closing minutes. When the Pacers took a three-point lead late in the game, DeRozan responded with a clutch layup to keep the Bulls in contention. Despite facing adversity, DeRozan remained composed and executed when it mattered most.
As the clock winded down, DeRozan found himself in a pivotal moment. With the Bulls trailing by two and needing a basket to force overtime, he delivered in spectacular fashion. Drawing a foul from the Pacers, DeRozan calmly sank the first free throw before seizing the opportunity to tie the game with a buzzer-beating jumper, sending the contest into overtime.
DeRozan’s heroics continued in the extra period, where he single-handedly propelled the Bulls to victory by scoring nine points, bringing his total for the game to an impressive 46 points. His efficient shooting, going 15-for-24 from the field and 15-for-17 from the free-throw line, showcased his scoring prowess.
Moreover, DeRozan’s remarkable performance propelled him up the NBA’s all-time scoring list, surpassing legendary figures such as Elgin Baylor, Dwyane Wade, and Adrian Dantley. With his sights set on climbing even higher, DeRozan’s impact on the game of basketball continues to grow, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
While 46 points represents DeRozan’s season high for the 2023-24 campaign, it’s not his career best. DeRozan has notched two 50-point games in his career, one with the Bulls and one with the Raptors. His highest-scoring game occurred in 2018 when he dropped 52 points against the Bucks while playing for the Raptors. Additionally, in the playoffs, DeRozan recorded a career-high 41 points with the Bulls against the Bucks in Game 2 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Playoffs.