Hardwood Highlight of the Night: Raptors make the extra pass, leads to layup by Valanciunas

After starting the season slowly, Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan has really come on strong in March.

DeRozan's season was interrupted by a groin pull, which robbed him of 21 games, but the struggles didn't stop there. When he returned, DeRozan was noticeably slower and more cautious. He was hesitant to drive and settled instead for a bevy of contested jumpshots.

However, DeRozan has looked healthier in March and it's coincided with  better performance. Coming into Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons, DeRozan was averaging 24.4 points, four assists and 5.2 rebounds on a true-shooting percentage of 56.6.

Much of DeRozan's success has stemmed from his rejuvenated willingness to drive, which has in turn translated to more free-throw attempts and shots at the basket, but it's also opened up looks for his teammates as well.

Take the play below, for example.

The set opens with DeRozan on the block. He pins his defender Kentavious Caldwell-Pope behind him, before lifting him with a pump fake and drives into the lane.

Caldwell-Pope is quick on his feet and manages to stay with DeRozan. However, DeRozan is still able to muscle his way to the low block, before rising up for a fadeaway.

DeRozan's shot draws a help defender in Andre Drummond, who leaves Jonas Valanciunas for the chance at a shot contest. DeRozan sees this, however, and dumps it off to Amir Johnson, who is wide open after Anthony Tolliver rotates to cover Valanciunas.

Despite having a semi-open look, Johnson decides to make one more extra pass. He rises up over Tolliver, before dropping it off to Valanciunas, who is wide open along the baseline. 

The play can be seen in its entirety below:

(courtesy: TSN)