DeMar DeRozan has played long enough to capture another historic moment that further strengthens his case as a future Hall of Famer.
On Sunday night, the Sacramento Kings star made a personal milestone as he surpassed fellow basketball legend Allen Iverson for the No. 29 spot in the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
DeMar DeRozan finished the night with 24 points on 9-of-21 shooting alongside six boards to help the blazing Kings’ 123-100 victory over the visiting Washington Wizards — their ninth over the past 10 games.
The feat took place at the final possession of the game’s first half.
In an isolation play, DeRozan received the pass from De’Aaron Fox and burned the clock as he was guarded by Wizards wing Kyle Kuzma. The Kings swingman took two jab steps and pulled up for a mid-range jumper, burying the shot over the contest of Kuzma.
The successful jumper gave DeRozan his 15th point of the night and that significant leap to go over Iverson’s 24,368 total career points across 14 seasons.
Doug Christie is well aware of how brilliant Iverson was back in the day. The current Kings interim mentor managed to face the former superstar for multiple times. And as an ace perimeter defender during his playing days, he certainly endured tons of memorable hardships in containing the scoring talent of the Philadelphia 76ers great.
As he became aware that DeRozan managed to eclipse Iverson this weekend, Christie instantly gave the 35-year-old star his well-deserved flowers to open up his postgame press conference.
“Congratulations to DeMar DeRozan for getting the 29th all-time in the NBA in scoring,” he said.
“That’s special. If you pass Allen Iverson in anything, you’re doing something, so to my man, much respect.
“DeMar is, he is what a pro is all about.”
Parading the league’s current best run, DeRozan and the Kings will look to maintain their winning ways as they’ll face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday for the final play of their three-game home stretch.
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