DeMar DeRozan puts Anthony Tolliver on a poster

DeMar DeRozan was once known for high-flying dunks and raw athleticism, and it seems he has no problem answering that call, still.

DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors sit atop the Eastern Conference ahead of the Boston Celtics by three games as the NBA season nears the final countdown. Having one of his best seasons outside of 2016-17 where he averaged 27.3 points per game and was one of the hottest players to start the season, DeRozan has become a force within the league and a household name in NBA discussions.

On Wednesday, Toronto traveled to Detroit to take on Blake Griffin and the Pistons hoping to secure a sixth straight win and establish more breathing room ahead of the Celtics. In a back-and-forth thriller pitting DeRozan vs. Griffin, late in regulation, fans got a glimpse of the early DeRozan days in Toronto.

With Blake Griffin answering for the Pistons converting a turn-around jumper for a 3-point play, the Pistons completely lost track of the ball-handler (not ideal in basketball) and allowed DeRozan enough space to throw down the hammer.

Anthony Tolliver . . . we hardly knew you.

The NBA is in its prime regarding the level of entertainment value. Never lacking for theatrics, the league and its stars have provided its fans with so much flair in the last two weeks. A week ago, James Harden committed a crime on national TV by murdering Wesley Johnson’s ankles, LeBron James had a nutmeg for the ages and then tonight DeRozan sends Anthony Tolliver into the “upside-down.”

Griffin and the Pistons did answer the call tying the game before losing in overtime to DeRozan and company. In overtime, it was undrafted guard Fred VanVleet who gained the trust of DeRozan by sinking the go-ahead 3-point basket to seal the win and position the Raptors as the first team in the NBA to clinch a playoff spot.

The Raptors look to put their stamp on the season by finally getting over the hump and dethroning LeBron and the Cavaliers on their way to an NBA Finals appearance. With DeRozan playing out of his mind and the Raptors playing like a true contender, this could be the year for the guys in purple.

Next: ICYMI: LeBron James wants an Oscar, too.

If DeRozan plays with the same force the rest of the way, opposing players getting posterized will be business as usual.