DeMar DeRozan (Part 3)

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11 Mar 2024

DeMar DeRozan (Part 3)

During the 2016-2017 NBA season, DeMar DeRozan continued to elevate his game to new heights, establishing himself as one of the premier scorers in the league and etching his name in the record books for the Toronto Raptors.
DeRozan's season was characterized by an impressive display of scoring prowess, as he consistently put up high point totals throughout the year. He set numerous franchise records and personal milestones, demonstrating his importance to the Raptors' success.
Early in the season, DeRozan made history by becoming the first player in Raptors' history to score three straight 30-point games to start a season. He then surpassed Mike James' franchise record with four consecutive 30-point games, followed by an incredible streak of five straight 30-point games, a feat last achieved by Michael Jordan in 1986-1987.

DeRozan's scoring outburst continued throughout the season, as he registered multiple 40-point performances, including back-to-back 40-point games for the first time in his career. He also set a career high with 43 points in a thrilling comeback victory against the Boston Celtics.
In addition to his scoring exploits, DeRozan showcased his versatility by contributing in other areas of the game, such as rebounding and playmaking. His all-around contributions earned him recognition as an Eastern Conference All-Star starter for the second time in his career.
DeRozan's remarkable season culminated in numerous accolades, including being named to the All-NBA Third Team for the first time in his career. He finished the season with a career-high 2,020 points, the second-highest total in franchise history, and averaged an impressive 27.3 points per game.
Although the Raptors fell short in the playoffs, DeRozan's stellar performances throughout the season solidified his status as one of the league's elite players and further cemented his legacy in Raptors' history.

During the 2017-2018 NBA season, DeMar DeRozan continued to solidify his status as one of the premier scorers in the league and further cemented his legacy with the Toronto Raptors.
DeRozan's season was highlighted by several remarkable performances, showcasing his scoring prowess and ability to deliver in clutch situations. He set numerous career highs and franchise records, further establishing himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Raptors' history.
In January 2018, DeRozan etched his name in the record books by scoring a franchise-record 52 points in a thrilling overtime victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. This performance not only marked a personal milestone for DeRozan but also solidified his place in NBA history as the first player to score 50+ points on New Year's Day.

Throughout the season, DeRozan consistently delivered impressive scoring outputs, including multiple 30-point games and several game-winning plays. His ability to come through in clutch moments earned him recognition as an Eastern Conference All-Star starter for the second consecutive season and his fourth overall selection to the NBA All-Star Game.
DeRozan's scoring exploits continued in the playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Raptors secure their first-ever 2-0 series lead in franchise history against the Washington Wizards. Despite their eventual second-round exit at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, DeRozan's contributions were instrumental in the Raptors' postseason journey.

In addition to his on-court performance, DeRozan's leadership and dedication to the Raptors franchise were evident throughout the season. His impact extended beyond scoring, as he also contributed to team success in various facets of the game.
DeRozan's outstanding season earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, further solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players. As he continued to rewrite the Raptors' record books, DeRozan's contributions left an indelible mark on the franchise's history, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever don a Raptors jersey.

Following his trade to the San Antonio Spurs in July 2018, DeMar DeRozan quickly made an impact with his new team, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
In his debut for the Spurs, DeRozan demonstrated his scoring prowess by putting up 28 points in a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Throughout the season, he continued to deliver impressive performances, including several games with 30 or more points and multiple double-doubles.
One of the standout moments of DeRozan's season with the Spurs was his first career triple-double, achieved on January 3, 2019, against his former team, the Toronto Raptors. In that game, he recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Despite his individual success, DeRozan's tenure with the Spurs was also marked by disappointment in the playoffs. In the first round against the Denver Nuggets, despite DeRozan's strong performances, the Spurs ultimately fell short and lost the series in seven games.
Throughout his time with the Spurs, DeRozan continued to demonstrate his value as a dynamic scorer and playmaker, while also contributing to the team's success on both ends of the floor. Despite the challenges faced in the postseason, DeRozan's talent and leadership remained evident, further solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.