Toronto Raptors swingman DeMar DeRozan has made a loud statement during his first five games, scoring at a league-leading 35.8 points per game clip after tallying yet another 30-point performance against the Miami Heat on Friday.

DeRozan put up 34 points in a 96-87 victory, making it his fifth straight 30-plus-point performance to start the season, passing point guard Mike James for the longest streak in franchise history and becoming the first player since Michael Jordan did it for six straight games to open the 1986-87 season.

“Yeah, I heard,” DeRozan told reporters. “I don't believe it.”

What he was most angry about was his four turnovers in the first quarter. The Compton native was over passing, trying to help his team rally back from a 12-point deficit. He would not turn the ball over again after that.

“A couple shots I passed up,” he said. “. (Coach Dwane Casey) just said to me to go out and shoot it.”

Article Continues Below
More Toronto Raptors News
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) is greeted by team mates during player introductions before tip off against the Charlotte Hornets at Scotiabank Arena. Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Scottie Barnes responds to P.K. Subban’s bold NBA, NHL claimJake Faigus ·
Kevin Durant photoshopped in Raptors
Raptors trade proposal for Kevin Durant as Giannis Antetokounmpo consolationBailey Bassett ·
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
Raptors rumors: What Toronto is ‘coveting’ with No. 9 pickTroy Finnegan ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shields the ball from Toronto Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo (2) in the second half at Footprint Center.
Raptors rumors: Kevin Durant trade a backup option to Giannis AntetokounmpoTroy Finnegan ·
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) reacts after a play against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Alamodome. Carter Bryant
3 players Toronto Raptors must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftZachary Howell ·
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković looks on from the bench during a NBA game against the Boston Celtics at Scotiabank Arena.
Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘canvassing the league’ for next big offseason splash, says InsiderBenedetto Vitale ·

And that he did. DeRozan took 26 shot attempts, making 14 of them in the process along with a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.

The 6-foot-7 shooting guard is earning every penny of the $139 million contract he signed this summer and has evolved not only into a refined mid-range shooter, but one with the maturity to play at his own pace. Check out the highlights.

DeRozan will go for a sixth 30-point game when the Raptors host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.