Why DeMar DeRozan's daughter isn't at Bulls vs. Heat play-in game after viral moment

Zac Al-Khateeb

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Why DeMar DeRozan's daughter isn't at Bulls vs. Heat play-in game after viral moment image

The Bulls will be down one of their top contributors from Wednesday's play-in victory over the Raptors in Toronto: DeMar DeRozan's daughter.

Diar DeRozan was a central figure in Chicago's 19-point comeback vs. Toronto, becoming something of a viral figure in the victory. She could be heard screaming every time the Raptors went to the free throw line on a night where they only shot 18 of 36 from the charity stripe (well below their season average of 78.4 percent).

Here are several clips of Diar contributing the only way she could from Wednesday's game:

MORE: DeMar DeRozan gives daughter Diar credit for Bulls' play-in win over Raptors

Did Diar have an effect on the Raptors' shooting, or was it just a coincidence? Her father — who had 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks in his return to Scotiabank Arena — gave her all the credit:

You know, it’s crazy. My daughter called me the other day getting out of school and she just said, ‘Dad, can I come to the Toronto game? I remember going to all the Toronto games’ when she was a kid.

I almost said no because she in school back home. She kept asking. She was adamant about coming to support and I just said that you can miss one day of school and come to a game. I’m glad I did. I owe her money from school.

But Diar won't be at the Bulls' play-in game vs. the Heat on Friday, even after her contributions to Wednesday's victory.

MORE: Guide to watching Heat vs. Bulls Play-In Tournament game

Why isn't Diar DeRozan at Bulls-Heat play-in game?

The reason is simple. DeRozan said his daughter can't miss another day of school. Here's his explaining to reporters following Chicago's win on Wednesday: "She's gotta go back to school."

Credit to DeRozan for prioritizing his daughter's education, even in a must-win game vs. the Heat. The winner of Friday's game will advance to take on the Bucks in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Zac Al-Khateeb

Zac Al-Khateeb Photo

Zac Al-Khateeb has been part of The Sporting News team since 2015 after earning his Bachelor's (2013) and Master's (2014) degrees in journalism at the University of Alabama. Prior to joining TSN, he covered high school sports and general news in Alabama. A college sports specialist, Zac has been a voter for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy since 2020.