This Date in NBA History (Jan. 1): DeMar DeRozan sets Raptors' franchise-record with 52 points in OT win over Bucks

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On New Year's Day 2018, the Toronto Raptors hosted the Milwaukee Bucks in what would become an instant classic. 

In an overtime thriller, DeMar DeRozan exploded for a career-high 52 points to lead Toronto to a four-point win over Milwaukee. Not only was DeRozan's output a personal best, but it also broke the franchise's single-game scoring record at the time of 51 points that was set by Vince Carter in 2000 and Terrence Ross in 2014.

Fred VanVleet has since broken DeRozan's record with a 54-point outing in the 2020-21 season.

DeRozan started strong, scoring 21 of the Raptors' 34 points in the first frame before entering halftime with 26 points.


He continued his play in the second half, scoring 26 more points, with 17 coming in the fourth quarter and overtime. The four-time All-Star broke the record at the charity stripe as he sank his final two free throws of the night to put the game out of reach with 6.7 seconds remaining.

DeRozan's career-high came on 17-for-29 shooting from the field, 5-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc and a perfect 13-for-13 shooting from the free throw line. It didn't stop at scoring, either, as he dished out eight assists and grabbed five rebounds in the win.

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It's safe to say DeRozan started the 2018 calendar year in style.

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Gilbert McGregor is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.