The Chicago Bulls’ victory over the Toronto Raptors was not just any win. It was a must-win game, and the stakes were high. However, it wasn’t just the players on the court who were fueling the team’s success. In a heartwarming display of support, daughter of DeMar DeRozan, Diar, cheered on the Bulls from the sidelines with 36 enthusiastic screams.
Fans watching the game could hear a high-pitched scream nearly every time the Raptors shot free throws, and many were wondering who could be responsible for the noise.
After a while, it was revealed that the person responsible was DeRozan’s nine-year-old daughter, who had screamed 36 times to distract the Raptors. The tactic appeared to work, as the Raptors missed 18 free throws in their 36 attempts, ultimately losing the game 109-105.
DeMar DeRozan’s daughter screaming when the Raptors shoot free throws. 😂
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 13, 2023
The Bulls‘ victory eliminated the Raptors, and the team will now face the Miami Heat on Friday for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. While Diar’s screaming garnered attention, DeRozan put in an impressive performance, contributing 23 points and 7 rebounds to the team’s victory, while Zach LaVine scored 30 points in the second half.
What did DeMar DeRozan say about this incident?
DeRozan expressed surprise at his daughter’s viral moment, stating that he had heard something during the game and only realized it was his daughter after looking back.
“She went viral,” the forward said in the aftermath of the win. “I kept hearing something during the game. I looked back and I was like, damn, that’s my daughter screaming?”
“She went viral… I kept hearing something during the game. I looked back and I was like, damn, that's my daughter screaming?”
DeMar DeRozan on his daughter’s free-throw line antics during the Bulls’ win over the Raptors 😂pic.twitter.com/AoLil5vxTI
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 13, 2023
He also stated that she would not be joining the team for their crucial game against the Miami Heat, as she needed to return to school.
Although the Bulls have beaten the Miami Heat three times during the regular season, the team will be facing a tough challenge, with players like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Atlanta Hawks. DeRozan and LaVine will need to be on top form, and perhaps having Diar in attendance could provide an extra boost of support.
