DeMar DeRozan overtakes NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, solidifying his place among the league's elite scorers.
On Wednesday, Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan moved into the No. 17 spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list, surpassing Atlanta Hawks legend and Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins.
DeRozan scored a game-high 28 points, surpassing Wilkins midway through the third quarter with a 3-pointer from the left wing. To add to the mystique, DeRozan did so against the Toronto Raptors, the team he was drafted to and scored over 13,000 points with.
The six-time NBA All-Star has been one of the league's most consistent scorers over the past decade, mastering the mid-range and frequently getting to the free-throw line. Wednesday night, DeRozan made all 12 of his attempts from the charity stripe, while also knocking down two 3-pointers.
He now sits at 26,688 career points, sitting just 22 shy of the original triple-double king, Oscar Robertson.
Despite this season being a statistically "down year", DeRozan is still averaging 18.6 points per game on efficient 49.3-percent shooting. The Kings' veteran has surpassed multiple NBA greats in scoring this season, including Paul Pierce, John Havlicek, Steph Curry and most recently Tim Duncan.
To pass Duncan, DeRozan put on an offensive clinic, dropping a season-high 39 points in a 117-109 loss against the Charlotte Hornets in mid-March.
DeRozan played a nearly-flawless game, shooting 17-of-22 from the field and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. To pass both Duncan and Curry, DeRozan got to his spot, rising up for a patented mid-range jumper.
DeRozan is now the fifth-highest active scorer in the NBA, trailing only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden and teammate Russell Westbrook. Those around him, including head coach Doug Christie have said they are not surprised by his continued scoring ability, crediting DeRozan for his continued work ethic.
"He just continues to move up the ladder. Super proud of him, for him," Christie said Wednesday night. "It couldn't happen to a better person and a better pro. I mean, he's a pro's pro and to watch him have this type of success is exciting for all of us."
Despite continuing his rise on such a prestigious list, DeRozan has focused on serving as one of Sacramento's main leaders, providing guidance for young players like Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud.
Raynuad was recently named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month, but DeRozan has bigger aspirations for his rookie big man.
Following the Kings' 126-122 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in late March, DeRozan told media "Don't tell him, but from my standpoint, I want him to make the All-Rookie team."
DeRozan has frequently shared his appreciation for his new role on this Kings squad, saying it is "fun to watch" his younger teammates grow and find success.
With another strong scoring performance, DeRozan should leap frog Robertson, moving into sixteenth place on the scoring list.
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