What record did DeMar DeRozan create on opening night that put him alongside Michael Jordan in Chicago Bulls history?
DeMar DeRozan matched a record set by the legendary Michael Jordan during Chicago Bulls' win over the Miami Heat in their season opener. DeRozan bagged 37 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals. He shot an excellent 14-of-22 from the field, including 2-of-3 from 3-point-range.
The Bulls won the tie 116-108 on the road behind the 5-time All-Star's heroics. DeRozan has bagged several records since joining the Bulls and added another one in the win against the Heat. He became only the second player in franchise history after MJ to score 37 points or more in a season opener.
Michael Jordan achieved the feat thrice. He scored 50 points in 1986, 54 points in 1989 and 42 points in the Bulls' opening game in 1995. It was the last time a Bulls' player crossed the 37-point mark in a season opener before DeRozan in Wednesday's clash.
DeMar DeRozan's 37 points tonight are the most points by a @chicagobulls player in the season opener since...
Michael Jordan: 42 points on 11/03/1995
#KiaTipOff22 https://t.co/gqJSlkaaaJ
DeMar DeRozan's production was crucial as the Chicago Bulls were without stars Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball as they continued their recovery from their respective injuries. DeRozan didn't get off to a good start, scoring only nine points in the first half. However, he recovered to bag 28 across the final two quarters as the Bulls caused an upset.
DeRozan took a shot at critics who didn't consider Chicago a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference after the game. He said (via NBC Sports):
"It's on us, nobody gonna give us anything. It's on us to have the confidence, we understand how hard we work in the gym when nobody's watching. So called experts look for another job to do or something like that."
DeRozan also mentioned that he feels like a 23-year-old in his 14th season. The Bulls will need him to produce another MVP-caliber year to have a shot at competing against the rest of the Eastern Conference powerhouses. He was integral to their return as perennial playoff contenders and could be crucial in their hopes of winning at a high level.
The most points in a season-opener by a Bull not named Michael Jordan https://t.co/VG0hXU3Xtq
DeMar DeRozan has matched or broken several Chicago Bulls' records set by Michael Jordan
DeMar DeRozan has matched or broken a Michael Jordan record many times since joining the Chicago Bulls last season. DeRozan got off to a fiery start to the 2021-22 NBA season. In November last year, he scored 425 points in the first 16 games of his Bulls career to score the most points during that time frame in franchise history.
Jordan previously held the record. He had 424 points in his first 16 games as a rookie with the Bulls during the 1984-85 season. In February earlier this year, DeRozan was a on a scoring tear for the Bulls.
DeMar DeRozan bagged at least 35-points for eight consecutive games. He broke MJ's record of six consecutive games of scoring 35 points or more, a record he set in 1988. Michael Jordan still holds the record for the longest streak (10) in franchise history.