DeMar DeRozan is timeless.
The Bulls star has been one of the NBA’s most consistent scorers over the past decade. At 35, he continues to carve up opposing defenses – and the Pacers are the latest victim.
DeRozan scored a season-high 46 points in Chicago’s 132-129 win over Indiana on Wednesday, finding himself in the game’s biggest moments.
Myles Turner made a timely 3-pointer off an assist from Tyrese Haliburton to give the Pacers a three-point lead with less than a minute to play, but DeRozan came right back with a layup to keep the Bulls in life. The two teams traded empty possessions after Pascal Siakam made a massive block on Coby White’s potential game-winner, and Indiana looked clear to come away with a victory.
Aaron Nesmith calmly buried a pair of free throws to give the Pacers a three-up lead with five seconds remaining. Cue DeRozan’s heroics.
MORE: How Kawhi Leonard’s injury affects the Clippers’ title chances
DeMar DeRozan’s clutch shot against the Pacers
Indiana intentionally fouled DeRozan to prevent a game-tying 3-pointer, and he made the front end of both of his attempts. With the Bulls still trailing by two and needing a check, DeRozan executed the game plan perfectly. Both teams fought for the rebound and the ball fell out of bounds for Indiana.
This allowed DeRozan to do what he does best. He buried a contested mid-range jumper at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.
WONDERFUL !!!!!!!@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan pic.twitter.com/xwxKnPiiNI
– Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 14, 2024
DeRozan’s hot hand didn’t let up, as he scored the Bulls’ first eight points in overtime. He finished with nine points in overtime alone, recording a season-high 46 points. He shot an efficient 15 of 24 from the field and 15 of 17 from the free throw line.
MORE: Tracking missed matches and eligibility for end-of-season rewards
DeMar DeRozan surpasses Hall of Famer on NBA all-time scoring list
DeRozan’s 46-point night saw him skyrocket up the NBA’s all-time scoring list, passing three Hall of Famers.
He entered Wednesday at No. 40 on the list with 23,134 career points. After his big game, DeRozan moved up to 37th place, passing Elgin Baylor, Dwyane Wade and Adrian Dantley.
DeRozan is now chasing Stephen Curry, who is in 36th place. You can find the players in DeRozan’s crosshairs on the all-time scoring list below. LeBron James leads the way with 40,096 points and above.
| Rank | Player | Points |
| 33. | Allen Iverson | 24,368 |
| 34. | Charles Barkley | 23,757 |
| 35. | Parish of Robert | 23,334 |
| 36. | Stephen Curry* | 23,302 |
| 37. | DeMar DeRozan* | 23,180 |
| 38. | Adrian Dantley | 23,177 |
| 39. | Dwyane Wade | 23,165 |
| 40. | Elgin Baylor | 23,149 |
*Indicates an active player
What is DeMar DeRozan’s career points record?
Although 46 points represent DeRozan’s career high for the 2023-24 season, it is not his career high. DeRozan has two 50-point games under his belt, one with the Bulls and one with the Raptors.
His career high is 52 points against the Bucks, while he was still with the Raptors in 2018.
His playoff career high is 41 points with the Bulls – also against the Bucks – in Game 2 of the first round of the 2022 Eastern Conference playoffs.
