NBA scores 2016: DeMar DeRozan is just doing DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan went off again, and the Raptors keep rumbling along.

Nov 3, 2016, 12:21 PM UTC

NBA: Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

DeMar DeRozan doesn’t need approval. He’d like it, sure — his indignation at only being ranked the No. 46 player in the league proves that. But his performance through four games proves he’s not missing a step no matter what people think of him.

In the season opener, DeRozan scored 40 points. He followed it up with 32- and 33-point performances, before providing a 40-point encore on Wednesday. DeRozan has been wildly efficient, too, shooting 55 percent from the floor, going to the line nearly 10 times per game, and he knocked down his first three-pointer this year in the win.

It’s more than that poor ranking on an inconsequential list, though. DeRozan’s tendency for bad jump shots has been questioned, as has his ability to lead Toronto as the No. 1 option. His defense, his worth, his new $139 million contract. Do the Raptors actually have a chance to get by LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Finals? That’s a question that’s going to be asked as long as the Raptors and Cavaliers exist unless someone answers it clearly.

It’s too early in the season to know exactly what the Raptors are. But DeRozan, man, he’s really devastating. His driving to the rim has been relentless and his jumpers keep splashing in. You don’t want to get in his way, or he’ll do this.

In reality, was No. 46 a reasonable ranking for DeRozan headed into this season? More or less, it was. You could definitely quibble with its placement, but no one would say DeRozan was on his way to becoming the next Paul George — you know, a true top-20 player, as defined by anyone around them.

Just be careful second-guessing him too much, because he’s very liable to prove you wrong.

Russ is ready

Russell Westbrook faces Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors Thursday for their first head-to-head matchup this year. On Wednesday, Westbrook dropped 35 points in an 85-83 win against the Clippers, and he still has not scored fewer than 32 in the Thunder’s perfect 4-0 start. Westbrook also did this.

Can’t wait.

The Mavericks fall to 0-4

Despite a huge 21-2 run in the middle of the third quarter, the Dallas Mavericks couldn’t knock off Utah at home. Clearly, losing four straight to begin a season isn’t preferred, but there are reasons the Mavericks don’t need to immediately panic. All four games were played against good teams and two came down to the final moments — one in overtime, the other won on last-second free throws. Dirk Nowitzki missed a couple games with illness, too.

The Mavericks are almost guaranteed to right the boat under Rick Carlisle in the coming weeks. They have a veteran squad, and they’ve annually been playoff contenders. But even if the losses don’t signify huge problems with the roster, they certainly could still haunt Dallas when they need every game they can get late in the year.

MLB’s Game 7 was just as good as the NBA’s

I know you’re not hear to read about baseball. (Or if you are, let me kindly direct you this way.) You should know, though, that last night’s World Series Game 7 was every bit as incredible as the unforgettable Game 7 between the Cavaliers and the Warriors. Somehow, it even included Cleveland blowing a 3-1 lead, just months after the Warriors did it.

Here’s all the relevant NBA stories stemming from the World Series. We had LeBron James acting like a maniac after Cleveland tied the game. That was all caused by J.R. Smith getting shirtless and spurring the comeback. Here’s a bunch of people associated with the NBA who loved the Indians’ blown lead. And below, there’s a really dope game-winning buzzer beater that nearly everyone probably missed.