Toronto Raptors: Player of the week is DeMar DeRozan
As the Toronto Raptors continue their winning streak, they have relied upon DeMar DeRozan, this week’s Player of the Week.
As we turn the corner to the last quarter of the season the Raptors will aim to break franchise records, depending on their star to lead them to victory.
Before we get into the article I would like to take a minute to shoutout DeMar DeRozan for his bravery over the last few weeks. I’m personally not equipped to discuss this subject at length but I would like to say a quick word. Many people in the world struggle with mental health issues. For a lot of people turning to sports (such as basketball) is a way to escape the struggles of everyday life. Having players like DeMar and Kevin Love openly admit that they also have issues is greatly helping to end the stigma around mental health. They might not realize it initially but this is something very big for a lot of people. You’re not alone, everyone struggles with something.
My player of the week
The obvious choice for the Raptors player of the week is the king of the north, DeMar DeRozan. Following the All-Star break DeRozan continued his dominance of the NBA. It’s as if he simply refuses to let the Raptors lose more than one game.
Over the week DeRozan averaged 20.8 points, while grabbing three rebounds per game. DeRozan also made his way to the free throw line quite often, shooting a respectable 27 for 34. While DeRozan has been heavily relied upon to be the primary scorer for the Raptors he’s also been a great facilitator for the team. Throughout the course of the week DeRozan earned himself 23 assists, averaging 5.8 assists per game.
Throughout the Week
After a disappointing return against the Milwaukee Bucks the Raptors aimed to start-up a new winning streak against the Detroit Pistons. February 26th was a big game for the Raptors as they got back to their winning way while hammering the Pistons. DeRozan contributed 20 points while also dishing a game-high seven helpers. February 28th the Raptors continued to roll offensively as the bull-dozed past the Orlando Magic. DeRozan added his standard 21 points while also grabbing three rebounds and four assists.
March 2nd was a great victory over an Eastern Conference playoff team in the Washington Wizards. DeRozan once again impressed with a team high 23 points and four assists. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fantastic bench play from the Raptors who outscored the Wizards bench 50 to 15. March 4th was unlike the other Charlotte Hornet / Toronto Raptors games so far this season. In the three games previous the Raptors outscored the Hornets by a collective margin of 51 points. Finally it seemed as if the Hornet had come to play but it simply wasn’t enough. DeRozan scored 19 points and assisted on eight scores earning a team-high in both points and assists.
Next: DeMar DeRozan is inspiring players to speak out on Mental Health
Both DeRozan and the Raptors continue to roll, with every passing game they separate themselves from all competition in the East. If DeRozan continues his stellar play there’s almost certainly no way they don’t keep the number one slot in the Eastern Conference.