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Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan dissed by Bleacher Report in latest MVP standings

By Candice Evans

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 13: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors talks with Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors following the final whistle of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on January 13, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 13: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors talks with Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors following the final whistle of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on January 13, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Bleacher Report’s updated MVP standings show clear favoritism towards players with primetime games.

It’s no secret that Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry isn’t having a good season according to his own standards. Curry is shooting 37% from three this year, which would be a career low if it stands. The Warriors went through a rough stretch after the All-Star Break, losing six of eight games, during which Curry couldn’t buy a bucket.

Coming out of the break, the Chicago Bulls had similar problems, with their role players struggling to score in the double digits as DeMar DeRozan put on fourth-quarter clinics. The Bulls played a tough schedule after the All-Star Break, including games against the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.

The Warriors lost to an LA Lakers team who has found ways to lose games many in that same stretch. Not all losing stretches are the same. Granted, when it comes to the MVP race, losing streaks pull contenders out of close races almost every time.

Bleacher Report’s MVP rankings disrespect Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan.

The only exception seems to be Curry. As of now, he’s fourth in Bleacher Report’s MVP power ranking.

Curry is averaging 25 points per game on 43% shooting from the field, but he’s had multiple games where he went scoreless in the fourth quarter. In the Warriors’ 20-point collapse against the Dallas Mavericks, Curry didn’t even attempt a shot in the final 12 minutes.

DeRozan is averaging 28 points on 50% shooting from the field. In the fourth quarter, he’s averaging eight points on 53% shooting from the field and 44% from three. He started the year as the Fourth Quarter King and has maintained that status.

There has been a stark difference between DeRozan’s and Curry’s play down the stretch of games, specifically in key moments. Another huge difference is the amount of primetime coverage each player gets.

The Warriors have the second-most nationally televised games this season with 41, behind the Lakers’ 42.  The Bulls have 12. DeRozan’s play is easy to overlook because it’s harder to watch him play. Out-of-market fans and media members can’t easily access his game without NBA League Pass.

The top three candidates on the list are valid, while the spots for Luka Doncic and Ja Morant are debatable. But DeRozan being behind Curry makes no sense whatsoever based on what the two have accomplished this year.

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