NEWSLETTER
Ahead of DeMar DeRozan’s 41-point explosion to lead the Bulls to a Game 2 victory, he spent some late hours in an empty Fiserv Forum.
The Chicago Bulls’ All-Star told reporters after the game that he came to the arena the night before to get some shots up. The goal was to reclaim his rhythm after a frustrating 6-25 performance from the field in Game 1, and he made sure to let everyone know the method isn’t new.
“All the time,” DeRozan answered when asked how often he puts in the night shift. “Since I’ve been in the playoffs, I do it all the time. Whenever I get a chance. I’m pretty sure I’ll go shoot at the United Center tomorrow night.”
DeRozan proved to be a man of his word roughly 24 hours later. With the first playoff game at the United Center in five years set to tip-off Friday night at 7:30 p.m. CT, the Chicago Bulls gave us a look at DeRozan’s preparation.
Night shift. pic.twitter.com/yq0bWFCE6p
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 22, 2022
DeMar postgame yesterday: “Pretty sure I'll go shoot at the UC tomorrow night.”
8pm tonight: pic.twitter.com/VhOfh2MVTJ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 22, 2022
Look, I’m sure DeRozan isn’t alone in this pre-game approach, but I think it still goes to show how committed the 32-year-old is to his craft. You don’t become the King of the Midrange and the NBA’s 2nd-leading total point scorer without putting in the extra work, and there is no question DeRozan continues to do just that.
