DeRozan drops franchise-best 52 points in OT victory over Bucks

DeMar DeRozan had himself a game for the ages, scoring a career and franchise-best 52 points in the Toronto Raptors' 131-127 overtime victory against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks.

DeRozan's previous career high - 45 - was set just last month, Dec. 21 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He toppled the Raptors' former single-game scoring record of 51, previously owned by Vince Carter and Terrence Ross.

The Raptors' three-time All-Star did it all Monday night. DeRozan shot 58.6 percent on 29 shots from the field and nailed all 13 of his free-throw attempts. Miraculously, he also shot 5-of-9 from 3-point land. Those outrageously efficient shooting splits have never before been seen in a 50-point game:

DeRozan's 3-point shooting, an aspect of his game long considered his greatest weakness as a scorer, is an area that has blossomed into an asset of late. A career 28.6 percent shooter from beyond the arc, DeRozan has shot 51.2 percent from downtown on 4.6 attempts per game since Dec. 15.

The ever-humble DeRozan downplayed his historic night after the emphatic win:

Comfortably sitting on a 25-10 record - including just one loss at home this season - the Raptors have cemented their place as a legitimate force that can go toe-to-toe with any team in the Association.