The San Antonio Spurs we all know and love are in unfamiliar territory as they are now struggling to win NBA games. If there's any consolation for the horrible run of form they currently find themselves, DeMar DeRozan is thriving for the underperforming Spurs.
As the Spurs blew another big lead to fall short to the Atlanta Hawks, 121-120, the 30-year-old guard played solid basketball. He finished the game with 25 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and two steals on 50% shooting. This stat line helped him accomplish a rare feat that only a few players have achieved over their careers.
DeMar DeRozan has scored 20+ points and shot better than 50% in 13 straight games. Only 2 players have a longer streak since 1983:
– Shaquille O'Neal (25 straight games)
– Giannis Antetokounmpo (14 straight games) pic.twitter.com/7rUPrucigU— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) January 18, 2020
Making 50% of your shots in today's NBA is a difficult prospect. Defenders are getting more athletic, and big men are increasingly becoming able to defend small players. For DeMar DeRozan to still thrive and pull off such a feat in today's NBA is nothing short of amazing on his end.
However, this performance isn't a one-off for him. Despite the Spurs' struggles, DeRozan is averaging solid numbers for Gregg Popovich. He's averaging 22.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 54% shooting. He's playing decent basketball in spite of his teammates failing to keep up with him.
Due to his performance this season, it wouldn't be surprising that teams would be interested in swooping him up. Contenders who need the offensive boost would surely look to acquire him as he has the talent to take a team in need of extra scoring to better their chances of making the NBA Finals.
Until a move happens, fans can expect DeRozan to try and lead a struggling Spurs team to make an unlikely push for the eighth seed.
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