DeRozan returns from injury to lead Raptors over Sixers

Toronto Raptors' All-Star player DeMar DeRozan returned to action following a seven-week absence in the team's 100-84 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

DeRozan scored a team-high 20 points in 28 minutes of action in his first game since sustaining a groin injury on Nov. 29 against Dallas.

"It felt good, just to play with my guys. It's been tough sitting out," said DeRozan following the game. "There's so many games, just watching. It's just good to be out there."

Having missed a total of 21 games, DeRozan revealed to media that he was eager to return at an earlier date, but ultimately decided to follow the advice of team training staff.

"My target date passed. I had to be disciplined and listen to the trainers," said DeRozan. "I had hunger for coming back earlier, but just had to listen to the trainers."

Injuries are new to DeRozan, as he has mostly avoided injuries throughout his six-year NBA career. Prior to the recent groin injury, he had missed a total of eleven games in his first five seasons in the league.

"This is my first time being hurt and missing major time," said DeRozan. "Definitely tough, especially to have someone sit out that amount of time after playing basketball for so long."

DeRozan's return couldn't come at a better time, as Toronto entered the game losing five of their last seven games and slipping down the Eastern Conference standings.

"He's smart, he's under control. He brings a calming effect to our team," said Raptors head coach Dwane Casey following the game. "He can quarterback as well as score and that's what he brings to the table."

In the 21 games without DeRozan in the lineup, Toronto holds a 12-9 record. In the 17 games that he has played, they are 14-3. Endi