DeMar DeRozan never had a hard time defining himself in Chicago. That was true even as he returned to the United Center in a black and purple jersey on Sunday, helming the Sacramento Kings to a 124-119 win in his first game against the Bulls since leaving the organization in free agency last summer.

DeRozan led the way for the Kings and came through in the clutch with a couple of key buckets down the stretch. This was the second time he recorded at least 30 points in his last five games, a span in which he's averaging a robust 27.2 points per game while shooting 40 percent from three-point range.

DeRozan left an indelible mark during his three seasons with the Bulls. Coaches and players lauded his midrange efficiency, clutch factor and leadership, but it’s the person DeRozan is that made the most lasting impression on the franchise.

Sunday marks the first time the future Hall of Famer will play in Chicago since joining the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade.

I like him more on our side, in our uniform,” Lonzo Ball said of DeRozan. “But he still looks pretty good in the black and purple.”

DeMar DeRozan made a triumphant return to Chicago. He scored 21 points in Sacramento’s 124-119 victory over the Bulls, helping the Kings extend their season-high win streak to seven games.

It was cool to come back to a place where they loved you, appreciated you. My 3 years here felt like 10. I enjoyed my time here. It was fun.

DeRozan was 'humbled' to receive a standing ovation and video tribute in Chicago, where he played three seasons

Damian Lillard and DeMar DeRozan give each other the love they deserve prior to the Bucks and Kings' Tuesday night clash.

Just last season, the Chicago Bulls had a big three of former and current All-Stars with Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and DeMar DeRozan. Despite playing three y

DeRozan finished with 28 points (9-18 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 8-9 FT), six rebounds, four assists and one steal across 36 minutes during Tuesday's 130-115 loss to Milwaukee. DeRozan and the rest of the first unit recorded solid numbers,