DeMar DeRozan has found a new lease on life in the NBA this last season. DeRozan had spent 3 seasons in San Antonio, where his career stalled, as he wasn’t surrounded by All-Star and championship-caliber talent. While DeRozan was playing well, his play has gotten better playing with some great players since joining the Chicago Bulls. And last night, he had an incredible performance to help win Game 2.
DeMar DeRozan spoke to the crew of Inside The NBA on TNT after the game. Charles Barkley was praising DeRozan, especially for his steady reliance on the mid-range side of his game. He asked DeRozan to tell the rest of the NBA players not to be so overreliant on the three-point shot. DeRozan noted that he wants to show the rest of the league that it is possible to play winning basketball while shooting from the midrange.
"I hope they're watching. I'm trying to master it. I'm trying to keep the 2-pointer alive."
DeMar DeRozan to Charles Barkley after knocking down 13 mid-range jumpers 💯
(via @NBAonTNT)https://t.co/z33WUXRMVY
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 21, 2022
“I hope they’re watching. I’m trying to master it. I’m trying to keep the 2-pointer alive.”
DeRozan was given a lot of credit for the Bulls’ win, especially considering the big-time bucket in the final seconds of the game. DeRozan took the ball to the hoop despite Giannis Antetokounmpo trying to protect the room. DeRozan took the contact, made the shot, and got back up, which helped the Bulls seal the win after the Bucks had begun to rally late in the game and looked like they could steal it.
The Bulls will be confident going back to Chicago, as they will want to protect their home court. The Bulls don’t have the best record against the top 4 teams from the Eastern Conference, but this win could change that. Momentum is everything in the NBA, and the Bulls could capitalize on this win and build momentum enough to upset the defending NBA champions.
