DeRozan returns to court after record-setting performance as Raptors face Bulls

Kaylee Pofahl

DeRozan returns to court after record-setting performance as Raptors face Bulls image

The Raptors kicked off 2018 in explosive fashion. They locked down an overtime win over the Bucks, highlighted by DeMar DeRozan’s franchise-record and career-high 52 points. It was the productive, fiery start to the year that all teams hope for.

As Toronto heads to Chicago for the first of a three-game road trip, eyes will be on DeRozan to see what he pulls off for an encore to his record-setting performance on New Years Day.  

 

 

The Raptors may be 2-0 against the Bulls this season but they face a very different team Wednesday than they did in October and November. Head coach Dwane Casey pointed out that the return of Nikola Mirotic in early December changed the momentum of this Bulls team, which went from a 10-game losing streak to a seven-game winning streak after the power forward’s return from a concussion and two broken facial bones.

“They’re really a different team than we played earlier and Mirotic changed everything,” Casey said after morning shoot around. “It’s almost like him coming in, making threes, shooting threes, has given them an abundance of confidence so they’re a different team, playing with a swagger, especially in the last month since he’s been back.”

Toronto took two road losses after Christmas, but rebounded in their return home to the ACC with two consecutive wins. Not only is DeRozan hot, but his chemistry with Kyle Lowry strong. The two combined for 78 of the team's 131 points against the Bucks.

Regardless of their own shiny numbers, the Raptors aren't taking the Bulls lightly. 

“You can tell, they changed the whole dynamic of their team, stretching the floor, being able to hit threes, they plant a lot faster, especially with [Kris] Dunn at the point guard," DeRozan said. "They’re playing a lot looser and free, you can tell. They’ve been playing well and tonight’s gonna be one of them games that we’re gonna have to be alert right out the gate."

 

Kaylee Pofahl