When Chicago Bulls fans think about the 4th quarter, they think about DeMar DeRozan.
The All-Star has been one of the league’s most effective clutch performers for years, especially since he joined the Bulls ahead of the 2021-22 season. He finished his first year with the organization one point behind Joel Embiid for the league leader in total points scored in the clutch, per NBA Stats. While the gap was a bit greater during this past year between him at clutch leader De’Aaron Fox, DeRozan still managed to finish second in clutch points.
Note: Clutch stats are those within the final five minutes of a game that is within 5 points.
DeRozan deserves all the praise in the world for his elite knack for scoring closing-time buckets, but he also isn’t the only one on the Bulls to make the most of the final five minutes of action. In fact, according to a stat shared by NBA University of Twitter, Zach LaVine might live in more opponent nightmares.
NBA University shared which player has scored the most clutch buckets against every team over the last five seasons. While DeRozan made an appearance three times as the grim reaper for the Cavs, Raptors, and Wizards, LaVine tied two-time MVP Nikola Jokic for the most appearances with four.
Indeed, LaVine has more clutch shots against the Hawks, Pacers, and Knicks than anyone else. He also tied Ja Morant for the most against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Take a look:
All in all, when we look at Zach LaVine’s overall clutch scoring since 2018-19, he has ranked inside the top 20 in total clutch points scored each season. He finished as high as 8th in both 2019-20 and 2020-21.
I’d say numbers like this suggest that LaVine deserves a little more respect when it comes to late-game abilities. But we also know that points aren’t everything! He’s given us plenty of reasons to question his shot selection at times down the stretch. Not to mention, as the clear No. 1 option for Chicago in the first three of the past five years, it’s kind of expected that he would rack up points in the clutch. I mean, the Bulls pretty much had no other option against these teams!
Still, you don’t just randomly end up among the NBA’s best clutch scorers over a five-year period. DeRozan may be the better option, but we all know LaVine has one of the most versatile scoring bags in the game. When it comes to needing a bucket when the lights are shining bright, you can do a lot worse than calling his name.
More on a solid 2022-23 season from Zach LaVine …