The Chicago Bulls have a new candidate for Sixth Man of The Year.
DeMar DeRozan’s daughter.
The Raptors hosted the Bulls for Wednesday’s play-in game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, but it felt like a road game for the Raptors at the free throw line.
DeRozan’s daughter Diar screamed from the crowd every time the Raptors shot free throws. Her screams were not only loud – they were picked up on ESPN’s broadcast – they proved to be effective. Toronto shot 50% from the line, going 18-for-36, compared to the Bulls shooting 18-for-22 from the free throw line.
“They need to put her on the payroll,” ESPN play–by–play announcer Mark Jones said.
Toronto’s 18 missed free throws proved to be pivotal. The Raptors led by as many as 19 points before Zach LaVine and DeRozan led the Bulls on a fourth-quarter run to take the lead and win the game 109-105.
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With the Bulls up 107-104 with 12 seconds left in regulation, Alex Caruso fouled Pascal Siakam during a 3-point attempt. Siakam made one free throw, but missed the next two. Nikola Vucevic rebounded the ball and was fouled. He hit both his free throws to seal the Bulls’ win.
Chicago will play the Miami Heat on Friday for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
LaVine finished with 39 points, DeRozan had 23 points and Jones said his daughter Diar deserved a “game ball.” Diar gave her dad a high-five after the win.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DeMar DeRozan’s kid tanks Raptors free throws with screams, Bulls win
