Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan couldn't believe it when he recently learned he had passed NBA legend Tim Duncan on the all-time scoring list.
Just a few days later, he achieved another impressive feat.
DeRozan finished with a season-high 41 points, including a three-pointer, 11 assists and three steals, to lead the Kings to a 116-111 victory over the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center on Sunday. They improved to 18-51.
According to StatMuse, the 36-year-old guard is the oldest player in NBA history to reach that number in a game.
DeRozan has been a bright spot amid another disappointing campaign in Sacramento. He has been a consistent weapon since signing with the team on a three-year, $74 million contract through 2024.
He is averaging 18.8 points – his lowest since the 2012–2013 season – 3.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists this season. Although his numbers have dropped, he still remains a lethal threat on offense, especially during clutch situations.
The Kings have now won three consecutive games and are 4-1 in their last five meetings.
When DeRozan entered the league as the ninth overall pick out of USC in 2009, not many expected him to be among the top 20 scorers. But through his consistency, work ethic and desire, he has maintained his legacy.
If he improves his scoring in the final stages, he will average at least 20 points for the 13th consecutive year.
DeRozan also has a strong chance to surpass NBA icons Dominique Wilkins and Oscar Robertson for 16th place on the all-time scoring list by the end of the season.
The Kings host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.
