Imagine how difficult it is to break a Wilt Chamberlain field goal percentage record given he is almost automatic from the floor once he gets inside the paint where he is virtually unstoppable during his time.
It is even more surprising a guard is the one to do it.
That’s what DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls did.
From February 6 – 24, 2022, DeRozan scored more than 35 points while shooting 50% or better in eight straight games.
DeRozan’s streak bettered Chamberlain’s by two games. “The Big Dipper” did the feat in six straight twice during his career, one each during the 1960-61 and 1962-63 seasons.
DeRozan’s remarkable feat is also the second most 35 or more points consecutively scored in Chicago Bulls history. Michael Jordan, the Bulls’ all-time leader in just about every major statistical category, still holds the franchise record at 10, a feat he recorded in 1986.
See more NBA record-setters: NBA individual record breakers and performances
Here’s DeRozan’s journey in recording the noteworthy record:
February 6 – DeRozan scored 45 points while shooting 18-of-30 (60.0%) from the floor against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. The Bulls lost, 108-119, with Joel Embiid recording 40 points and 10 rebounds. DeRozan’s 45 was his season-high.
February 7 – DeRozan scored 38 points while shooting 16-of-27 (59.3%) from the floor against the visiting Phoenix Suns. The Bulls lost, 124-127, with Devin Booker leading the way by scoring 38 points. The Suns led by as many as 27 points in the third quarter and thwarted a late rally by the Bulls.
February 9 – DeRozan scored 36 points while shooting 13-of-19 (68.4%) from the floor on the road against the Charlotte Hornets. The Bulls won, 121-109. Nikola Vucevic chipped in 18 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists while Zach LaVine scored 27 points for the Bulls.
February 11 – DeRozan scored 35 points while shooting 14-of-22 (63.6%) from the floor against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. The Bulls won, 134-122. Vucevic added 26 and the Bulls had to pull off a big fourth quarter rally to chalk up the win.
February 12 – DeRozan scored 38 points while shooting 12-of-24 (50.0%) from the floor against the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bulls won, 106-101. Vucevic was in key role with 31 points and 15 rebounds and the Bulls overcame a sluggish start to beat the Thunder.
February 14 – DeRozan scored 40 points while shooting 16-of-24 (66.7%) from the floor against the visiting San Antonio Spurs. The Bulls won, 120-109. DeRozan scored 19 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter to keep the Bulls heads above water during the crucial stretch.
February 16 – DeRozan scored 38 points while shooting 16-of-27 (59.3%) from the floor against the visiting Sacramento Kings. The Bulls won, 125-118. It was a special night for DeRozan as he officially broke Chamberlain’s record.
February 24 – DeRozan scored 37 points while shooting 15-of-21 (71.4%) from the floor against the visiting Atlanta Hawks. The Bulls won, 112-108. This is also DeRozan’s ninth game in a row with 30 points or more, the longest such streak by a Bulls player since Michael Jordan did it in 10 straight from December 25, 1990 to January 14, 1991.
Unfortunately, DeRozan’s streak ended on a very sour note. On their next game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 26, he was banished from the court on account of two technical fouls after scoring 31 and the Bulls lost, 110-116.
Overall, the Bulls were 6-2 during DeRozan’s streak.
DeRozan’s remarkable feat is also the second most 35 or more points consecutively scored in Chicago Bulls history. Michael Jordan, the Bulls’ all-time leader in just about every major statistical category, still holds the franchise record at 10, a feat he recorded in 1986.
Combined with another 31-point game against Indiana on February 4, DeRozan tied the second-longest by a Bulls established by Michael Jordan twice, (1) from December 25, 1990 to January 14, 1991, and another during the 1986-87 season.
Only another 11-game streak by Jordan, himself, during the 1986-87 season was better.
Overall, the Bulls were 7-3 during this streak.
By Armando M. Bolislis