“New Year’s Eve Heave!!!!” – Zach LaVine reacts to DeMar DeRozan’s one-legged game-winner vs Indiana Pacers

DeMar DeRozan’s last-second, one-legged, deep 3-pointer lifted the Chicago Bulls over the Indiana Pacers 108-106. And teammate Zach LaVine had fun with DeRozan’s amazing game-winner on New Year’s Eve by calling it, of course, the “New Year’s Heave.”

The Bulls’ signing of DeRozan has been one of the best moves of the offseason.

With the win Friday, surprising Chicago moved into a tie for the Eastern Conference’s best record (23-10) with the Brooklyn Nets.

The resurgence is happening for a franchise that had missed the playoffs the previous four seasons. What’s more, the Bulls’ 23 wins are already better than the 22 they totaled in 2019-20 (22-43) and 2018-19 (22-60). And they’re nearing the win totals of last season (31-41) and 2017-18 (27-55).

DeRozan has also been one of the best fourth-quarter players in the NBA, helping the Bulls in close games throughout the season.

DeMar DeRozan in 4th quarters this season:

232 total points (1st)
7.7 points per game (2nd)
53.2% shooting (1st, min 150 att)
50.0% from three

DeMar DeRozan in 4th quarters this season:232 total points (1st)7.7 points per game (2nd)53.2% shooting (1st, min 150 att)50.0% from three https://t.co/HLOcl4MyB7

LaVine, who can be seen in shock after the shot fell, took to Twitter to celebrate and congratulate his fellow star. He tweeted “New Year’s Eve Heave!!!!” as a clever pun, combining the New Year’s Eve holiday with DeRozan’s dazzler.

Before the season, analysts wondered how all the new faces, including many players who needed the ball in their hands, would fit together. However, the team has blended well.

Another star, Nikola Vucevic was one of the first people to celebrate with DeRozan after the shot. He also tweeted out a holiday and congratulatory tweet.

DeMar DeRozan makes the Bulls genuine contenders

The Chicago Bulls moved into a tie with the star-studded Brooklyn Nets, who have been atop the Eastern Conference for much of the season. Chicago is on a six-game winning streak.

Both teams are in action Saturday night. Chicago visits the Washington Wizards (18-17), while Brooklyn hosts the LA Clippers (18-17).

DeMar DeRozan was the Bulls’ key offseason move. The four-time All-Star was acquired in August in a sign-and-trade with the San Antonio Spurs, for whom he played the past three seasons.

Chicago also added Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball, who have played vital roles. Despite their impact, DeRozan is the biggest reason for the Bulls’ success.

At 32 years old, DeRozan is having the best season of his career, with a career-high scoring average (26.8 points per game) and a 36.5% 3-point shooting percentage. He is also enjoying the second-best shooting of his career (50.4%) while adding 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

DeRozan has outscored one-time All-Star LaVine (26.3 ppg) and two-time All-Star Vucevic (15.8 ppg, 11.2 rpg). He is also fifth in league scoring. If he keeps up his production and impact, he could end up with a few MVP votes by the end of the season.

DeRozan hasn’t just been about only offense this season, either. His career defensive rating is 111, which he has this season, despite having 115 in his last two seasons with the Spurs. On top of that, his defensive rating is the fifth-highest on the Bulls roster for players who have played more than 500 minutes.

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The Bulls have been one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference this season, and an enormous credit goes to DeRozan. He has done it on both ends of the court.