DeMar DeRozan made a nod to former Toronto Raptors teammate, Fred VanVleet, shortly after leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-108 come-from-behind win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
The 4-time All-Star scored 16 of his 30 points in the pivotal fourth period to give the Spurs its 12th win of the season. After the game, the 31-year-old swingman reminded fans that he is still an elite bucket-getter in this league, per Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News.
DeMar DeRozan has 16 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to rescue the game for the Spurs, then sends a message north to newly minted Raptors single-game scoring leader Fred Van Vleet:
"I've still got it … When need be."
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) February 4, 2021
While he did not specifically name Fred VanVleet and the Raptors, it's clear that DeRozan's post-game remarks are somehow directed to the combo guard's most recent feat up North. VanVleet set the Raptors' franchise record for most points in a game with a career-high 54 markers against the Orlando Magic.
This shattered DeRozan's previous record of 52 points.
Since being traded to the Spurs in 2018, some pundits argue that the 6-foot-6 swingman is no longer the same lethal scorer he once was. DeRozan's numbers have indeed dipped slightly since moving to Texas, but he's still a reliable go-to option for head coach Gregg Popovich every night.
Against the Wolves, DeMar was back to his old self in that final period and completely took over the game. Overall, he shot 10-for-19 from the field, while also collecting eight rebounds and six assists in 40 minutes.
Prior to Wednesday's game at AT&T Center, the 31-year-old star was averaging 20.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 35.1 percent downtown.
It's evident that DeMar DeRozan is still keeping tabs with his old team and continues to have a great relationship with his ex-teammates.
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