It’s not a long-term performance, like the three-point record built over the years by Stephen Curry. But DeMar DeRozan also made NBA history on Saturday. The Chicago Bulls winger managed a new award-winning buzzer shot that gave his team the victory against the Washington Wizards (119-120). This is his second consecutive buzzer beater in two days, a first in the North American league. Larry Bird had achieved the feat in 1985 for the Celtics, but he had a day off between the two games.
DEMAR DEROZAN FOR THE WIN AGAIN !!@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/RzYwDV7QA4
– Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 2, 2022
After scoring 3 points in the last second against Indiana the day before, DeRozan did it again. “I don’t know if I’m dreaming or if it’s real now,” he said after the success at the expense of the Wizards. “I’m there to take matters into my own hands whenever the moment comes and I’m ready, that’s all I can do. “
“Thank God, we have DeMar DeRozan in our team,” summarized Zach LaVine, author of 35 points in the meeting, alongside Nikola Vucevic (22 points, 12 rebounds) and Coby White (20 points).
A “still incredible” shot
“DeMar’s shot was still incredible,” said coach Chris Fleming, who replaces head coach Billy Donovan, absent due to Covid. “With three seconds on the clock and guys glued to him, he had the presence of mind to look down and see where his feet were to take that shot. Incredible shot, ”said Fleming.
DeRozan ends the evening with 28 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, in a meeting that has long been to the advantage of the Washington franchise, led by Bradley Beal (27 points, 17 assists) and Kyle Kuzma (29 points, 12 rebounds).
The Chicago franchise consolidates its first place in the East (24 wins, 10 losses), at the expense of the Brooklyn Nets, defeated by the Clippers (116-120).