DeRozan scores career-high 43 points in massive victory over Celtics

DeMar DeRozan made sure to bring his A-game on Friday with fellow All-Star Kyle Lowry out with a wrist injury.

The Raptors shooting guard exploded for arguably the best offensive performance of his career, dropping a career-high 43 points in Toronto's win over the Boston Celtics. DeRozan also chipped in five rebounds and five assists in the 107-97 victory.

It was DeRozan's second 40-point performance against the Celtics this season, as he dropped 41 in January's 114-106 victory at the Air Canada Centre. The 6-foot-7 guard also became the third player in franchise history to amass four 40-point games in a single season, joining Raptors legends Vince Carter and Chris Bosh.

The USC product is in the midst of a career year after inking a five-year, $139-million contract last summer, ranking sixth in the NBA in points per game (27.3), ninth in field goals (491), and 13th in minutes per game (35.5).

Friday's win was huge for the Raptors, as they secured the tie-breaker over the Celtics by taking the season series 3-1.