DeMar DeRozan entered Monday in the midst of a quiet season, but the All-Star shooting guard exploded for a franchise-high 52 points in a 131-127 home overtime win over the Bucks.
DeRozan shot 17 of 29 from the floor, 5 of 9 from 3-point range and he drained all 13 of his free-throw attempts. He scored 45 points against the 76ers in December, but he's been a bit inconsistent this season.
Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry added 26 points, six assists and six rebounds. If the dynamic duo gets going during the second half of the season, the Raptors will be tough to beat.
Never change, @JValanciunas. Never change. 🤣👍🏽 pic.twitter.com/rKK7Glnzex
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 2, 2018
Eric Bledsoe led the Bucks with 29 points. He also had seven rebounds, four steals and three assists, proving to be a valued asset since moving to Milwaukee from Phoenix. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 26 points with nine rebounds and seven assists.
The Raptors (25-10) have quietly risen to second in the Eastern Conference. With wins in eight of their last 10 games, Toronto once again appears to be serious playoff contenders.
Stud of the Night
With Damian Lillard out of the lineup, Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum scored a game-high 32 points with eight assists and six rebounds to lead Portland past the Bulls, 124-120. McCollum shot just 11 for 30 from the field, but he made 5 of 11 from beyond the arc.
Dud of the Night
The Lakers: Losing Kyle Kuzma to a thigh injury led to a 114-96 loss to the Timberwolves. Los Angeles shot just 30.8 percent from 3-point range, and Jordan Clarkston led the team with 20 point off the bench. Now 11-25, the Lakers look destined for another early draft pick.
Highlight
Jimmy Butler shakes the rim:
Jimmy Butler scores 28 points to lead @timberwolves at home! pic.twitter.com/SlZtkiuauK
— NBA (@NBA) January 2, 2018
What's Next
Trail Blazers (19-17) at Cavaliers (24-12) 7:00 p.m. — Lillard is expected back for Portland after missing five straight games with a hamstring injury. The Cavs also get their point guard back, as Isaiah Thomas is expected to make his season debut after missing over two months with a hip injury. The Cavs are trying to bounce back from three straight loses.