Clutch game (or crunch time) refers to the 5-minute period at the end of the match, when the difference between the two sides is no more than 5 points and all winning or losing results cannot be predicted. That is also the time when the players are at their lowest and need to show their bravery the most. And the moments that decide the match are called clutches.

The Chicago Bulls are a middling team this season. They might even rank lower if it weren’t for DeMar DeRozan’s shining moments. He and the Bulls compiled a 23-15 record in clutch games . This impressive parameter is part of what helped the Bulls achieve a record of 32-34 to date.

No team has had to play clutch games more than the Bulls this season, and DeRozan has repeatedly saved them from the brink of defeat with his crazy shots.

At 34, DeRozan is poised to break LeBron James’ record as the oldest player to ever lead the league in minutes per game (James set the record at 33 years old in 2018). This season, Zach LaVine is often absent due to injury, so the responsibility of shouldering the offense falls entirely on DeRozan’s shoulders.

Despite having to take on a heavy workload in attack and defense, DeRozan is still strong enough to shine in the final minutes of the match. The former San Antonio Spurs star was nicknamed “King of the Fourth Quarter” because of his explosion entering the final quarter. DeRozan led the league in points scored in the last two seasons.

He would have won the Clutch player of the year award if it had come out sooner. This award will only be introduced from the 2022/23 season and De’Aaron Fox is the player who won the award. But DeRozan does not need to regret, because he can win that title in the 2023/24 season. Below are the statistics that show why he deserves the title.

DeMar DeRozan clutch stats
DeRozan does not lead the league in points scored in the fourth quarter. He is only third behind Giannis Antetokounmpo (another potential candidate for the award) and last year’s winner De’Aaron Fox. But according to NBA clutch game statistics, DeRozan is at the top of the rankings .

DeRozan and Stephen Curry are the two leading candidates for the award on betting sites. Here’s how DeRozan and Curry, players who have made at least 50 clutch shots, compare:

If the above parameters are too abstract and difficult to understand for you, take a look at the more intuitive parameters. Below are the statistics for the last 30 seconds of the clutch game.

Both DeRozan and Curry are on a different level than the rest of the players when it comes to clutch moments. Both have been among the best over the past three years . However, DeRozan is better in both the number of wins and the number of points that decide the match outcome.

DeRozan is also leading the league in Inpredictable’s clutch index (offensive actions only), which is the best publicly available advanced statistic for measuring clutch performance.

DeMar DeRozan’s highlight clutch
The difficulty of DeRozan’s throws is absurd. Every team knows the Bulls will find a way to get the ball to DeRozan, and always have their best defensive players with him. However, time after time, DeRozan beat his opponent and scored the decisive points for the Bulls.

DeRozan’s throws are very difficult to stop because of his “unique” throwing form. DeRozan often puts his feet out when throwing. If the defenders get too close, it can become a foul and DeRozan gets a free throw. However, if you keep your distance, DeRozan will make the throw. Therefore, he often takes the initiative in such situations. With just a moment of hesitation, the opponent gave DeRozan the opportunity to end the match.

This season DeRozan shot 52.2%, 50.0% from 3-point shooting and 87.1% from the free throw line in clutch games.

DeMar DeRozan’s clutch report
DeRozan has led the Bulls to many victories that even insiders did not believe they could do, comeback victories that are not clutch games:

Scoring 18 points in the fourth quarter in a 104-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors, the Bulls were notably 17 points behind their opponent with less than 5 minutes left in the match.
22-1 run against Miami Heat to win 102-97.
He outscored the Sacramento Kings 113-109 on his own with a perfect 7-of-7 shooting in the fourth quarter.
Compared to other teams, the Bulls appeared quite calm at the end of the game, which was part of their superior performance in clutch games. It all comes from DeRozan, the leader who helps the Bulls believe in victory.

DeRozan is entering the final years of his prime. He is willing to cede the glory to the younger talents at the Bulls, but is always ready when the team needs him. DeRozan deserves more recognition for what he has done, especially in the clutch game. And the title of Clutch player of the year is completely worthy of the Bulls star.