Did Diar DeRozan stymie the Raptors at the free-throw line? ‘She did a great job’

As the Raptors season came to an end on Wednesday, all anyone watching the play-in game against the Chicago Bulls unfold could talk about was the nine-year-old daughter of a franchise icon.

Diar DeRozan was all over social media, in news headlines and on SportsCentre after her shrieks could be heard throughout Scotiabank Arena and on the television broadcast every time the Raptors shot a free throw.

“She went viral,” DeMar DeRozan said after the game.

On Thursday morning, as the Raptors players were getting ready for their season-ending media availabilities at OVO Athletic Centre, the Chicago Bulls tweeted: “Good morning to Bulls fans everywhere, but especially to Diar DeRozan.”

The Raptors missed 18 of 36 free throws in a 109-105 loss that ended their season.

After the game, Siakam told reporters that he wasn’t aware of Diar screaming as he went 5-of-11 from the line. On Thursday, he was asked if the young girl had an impact on the game. “I don’t think so,” he said.

The question was also presented to Scottie Barnes, who was 4-of-7 from the stripe.

“For sure. It was quiet in the gym. She was yelling. I was trying to figure out who it was,” Barnes said. “I don’t know if it really had an effect. We went 18-for-36, so it had to have an effect somewhat. She did a great job.”

While the DeRozans helped end the Raptors’ season, the Bulls will go on to play Kyle Lowry and the Miami Heat on Friday, with the winner claiming the eighth-seed in the NBA playoffs.

DeRozan was asked if his daughter, who had convinced him to bring her north to Toronto for the game, would also be making the trip for the must-win contest in Miami.

“Nah, he said. “She gotta go back to school.”

With files from Doug Smith

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