NBA scores 2016: DeMar DeRozan might never miss a shot again

DeMar DeRozan is 27 years old and in his eighth NBA season. Usually, you know what players are at that point in their careers. DeRozan was a two-time All-Star, sure, but also had too many flaws to take a step into superstar status. Hence, the No. 46 overall ranking from Sports Illustrated.

DeRozan didn’t like it, which wasn’t a surprise at the time. What NBA All-Star doesn’t think he is one of the very best players in the world? Is it really noteworthy that DeRozan had a higher opinion of himself?

Maybe we should have taken note. DeRozan continued his sizzling start with a 34-point performance to swat down the resurgent Hornets in a 113-111 victory. It was his seventh game of at least 30 points of the young season and comes two nights after a 37-point performance in Oklahoma City.

With Charlotte’s home crowd buzzing from Kemba Walker’s exploits, the Raptors turned to DeRozan to save them down the stretch. He scored all 10 of his fourth-quarter points in the final five-and-a-half minutes, including two straight 20-foot turnarounds to put the Hornets away. Charlotte did everything it could to pressure DeRozan, and he flicked them away with contested jumpers.

Skeptics will wonder if DeRozan can keep this up, and he probably can’t. DeRozan has taken 118 midrange jumpers and made 53 percent of them, a clip no guard can keep up. Yet, he doesn’t have to be that good to scare teams into playing him close, which allows him to drive and generate free throws. When the game is on the line, the Raptors can give him the ball knowing he’ll at least get a decent shot off.

With Kyle Lowry playing second fiddle, and a deep bench, the Raptors sure look like the East’s second-best team. Many were skeptical when they won 56 games last year, but they seem headed for that many wins again. Only this time, it’ll be on the backs of a player who really is performing like a superstar.

NBATV viewers were given a treat with an excellent Clippers-Thunder game ... when they actually played basketball. The Thunder edged ahead with a tough defensive effort early, but Blake Griffin tore their defense up in the third quarter to give the Clippers the advantage.

And then the fouling began. With the Clippers up by four with 5:44 left, Thunder coach Billy Donovan put Nick Collison in to foul DeAndre Jordan. He and his teammates did so on six of the next seven Clippers possessions. The only time they didn’t was when the referees ignored them and let this Chris Paul three stand.

That stopped once Jordan hit five of his last six, but it ruined a great game, at least until it again got tight in the final three minutes. End. Intentional. Fouling.

Finally, the 76ers won a game before December! It was an adventure, but they held on in overtime to defeat the Indiana Pacers for their first win of the season.

The last time the 76ers won a game in October or November was back in 2013. This was Philly’s starting lineup for that game:

Michael Carter-Williams

Evan Turner

James Anderson

Spencer Hawes

Daniel Orton

That was 1,085 days ago, and none of the players who got in the game is on the team anymore. You can’t find a better illustration for the 76ers’ recent futility.

Truth is, the 76ers were due. They’ve come close in several games this year, only to fumble away late leads with garbage offensive execution and mind-blowing brain farts. On balance, this team is competing. With more experience, they’ll pull off more of these tight victories.

Let’s check in on the Knicks, shall we?

That’s Carmelo Anthony getting tossed for arguing a call with referee Tony Brothers. It sure seemed like a quick hook from here. Anthony’s wife agreed:

The Knicks fell apart from there in a 115-87 defeat to a Celtics team that’s been struggling. The Knicks are 3-5, which isn’t terrible, but they always find a way to look like the world is falling apart in losses.

I mean, really.

76ers 109, Pacers 105 (Liberty Ballers recap | Indy Cornrows recap)

Cavaliers 105, Wizards 94 (Fear the Sword recap | Bullets Forever recap)

Raptors 113, Hornets 111 (Raptors HQ recap | At the Hive recap)

Jazz 87, Magic 74 (SLC Dunk recap | Orlando Pinstriped Post recap)

Celtics 115, Knicks 87 (Celtics Blog recap | Posting and Toasting recap)

Clippers 110, Thunder 108 (Clips Nation recap | Welcome to Loud City recap)

Spurs 96, Pistons 86 (Pounding the Rock recap | Detroit Bad Boys recap)

Blazers 122, Kings 120 (Blazer’s Edge recap | Sactown Royalty recap