Morning Coffee: DeRozan making MVP case with historic run

DeMar DeRozan has performed at an MVP level for the Chicago Bulls this season.

Now he’s on the verge of doing something that we’ve never seen before.

DeRozan scored a game-high 40 points on 16-of-24 from the field on Monday night, leading the Bulls (-2.5) to a 120-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

It was DeRozan’s sixth straight game with at least 35 points and 50 per cent shooting, matching Wilt Chamberlain for the longest such streak in NBA history.

Now DeRozan will get the opportunity to set a new record when Chicago hosts the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

Here’s the TSN EDGE Morning Coffee for Tuesday Feb. 15, 2022.

Chamberlain put together two separate stretches of six consecutive games with 35+ points on 50+ per cent shooting – one in 1960-61 and one in 1963.

He never hit those marks in seven straight games.

DeMar DeRozan has recorded his 6th straight game with 35 points and 50% shooting. That ties Wilt Chamberlain in 1960-61 and 1963 for the longest streak in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/iueW1Tw7nG

While DeRozan will get the opportunity to do something that no other player has ever done on Wednesday night, he’s already made history at his position.

Chamberlain was a 7-foot-1 centre.

DeRozan is a 6-foot-6 small forward. 

There’s never been another player at the position to do what DeRozan has done over this six-game stretch.

It isn’t just what he’s doing, but how he’s doing it that makes the streak so spectacular.

There is no player I enjoy watching more than DeMar DeRozan. He’s so patient, poised, and calm that he looks bored out there. But he’s not, he’s just that locked in. The footwork, handle, hesitation, all of it is pristine. 40-ball tonight vs. SAS. Sixth straight with 35+