Raptors' DeMar DeRozan: Comes back down to Earth on Saturday
DeRozan collected 18 points (8-17 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block across 37 minutes during Saturday's 94-86 victory over the Mavericks.
Analysis:
After erupting for back-to-back 40-point outings, DeRozan finished with a modest 18 points, though contributed six assists, surpassing his season average of 3.8 dimes per game. The 27-year-old swingman's game is largely reliant on getting to the charity stripe, and part of his subpar scoring performance is likely a result of shooting just two free throws. Serge Ibaka's return from a one game suspension also probably took some pressure off DeRozan to be the Raptors' clear main source of offense. Overall, his numbers in Kyle Lowry's (wrist) absence have been nearly identical to those before his injury, likely surprising most fantasy owners who expected a significant jump in production.