The logic behind DeRozan having a shoelace tied around his thumb
Steve Russell / Toronto Star / Getty
DeMar DeRozan was seen grimacing while Toronto Raptors director of sports science Alex McKechnie tightly tied a shoelace around his injured right thumb prior to Game 5 against the Miami Heat Wednesday.
The logic? By applying tight pressure to a wounded area, swelling can be reduced. It worked for DeRozan, too. He tied his career playoff high with 34 points in the 99-91 win, going 11-for-22 from the field. It's only the third time this postseason that DeRozan has shot above 40 percent.