DeMar DeRozan returned from his two-week convalescence from COVID-19 as if nothing had happened. The 32-year-old guard returned to the discipline of the Chicago Bulls and contributed 38 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists to a 115-110 home victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
“It has been incredible what he has done after being out, missing games and having only two days of preparation,” explained Billy Donovan, coach of the Bulls, about the star. DeRozan, with 19 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter, tipped the balance in the decisive moments of the game.
With four players on protocols, the Bulls are beginning to regain normalcy and pace of play after being one of the first teams to suffer a covid-19 outbreak this December, with up to 10 players affected and two games suspended.
19 PTS in the 4th.
38 PTS for the game.@DeMar_DeRozan leads the charge in the @chicagobulls dub ? pic.twitter.com/jfy6sATvZA— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2021
LeBron James led the Lakers with 31 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists, although his night was by no means the best from the perimeter: 1 of 7 on triples, 11 of 22 on shooting from the field. The Ohio star was accompanied by Russell Westbrook, author of 20 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, and Carmelo Anthony, who contributed 21 points and 5 rebounds from the bench.
The Bulls dominated the first half of the game and went on to lead by double digits before having their halftime lead reduced to one possession at 61-59 on the scoreboard. In the third quarter, the Lakers took the initiative and went last with a minimum advantage of 83-84.
The visiting team went ahead 85-90 at the start of the final period, but DeRozan then activated his killer mode and began to add baskets, turning the scoreboard.
