Toronto Raptors: Fred VanVleet’s historic 54 point performance

The Toronto Raptors undrafted player Fred VanVleet as broken the Raptors All-Time franchise record with 54 points against the Orlando Magic.

VanVleet now overtakes DeMar DeRozan’s record of 52 points from 2018, with being one of four Raptors to score 50 points or more – the other two being Terrance Ross (2014) and Vince Carter with 51 (2000).

This is significant for both the Raptors and VanVleet. VanVleet also now holds the record for most points in a game by an undrafted player, surpassing Moses Malone who scored 52 points in 1982.

Fred VanVleet’s historic performance

Now that all the records are out of the way, let’s get into the actual game. And
it should start with VanVleet’s defense, VanVleet said post-game:

"“I thought I played pretty good defense, too. I know nobody wants to talk about that.”"

VanVleet last season received two points on the 19-20 NBA’s All-Defensive teams. His stellar defensive play has continued this season and was on display in his record-breaking offensive game.

VanVleet had three steals and three blocks but his defensive efforts always have been a non-statistical feat. This was not his best defensive play of the night, as he took on both Cole Anthony and Evan Fournier — but at the time of this play, he had 50 (!) and was still defending at a high level.

Now onto the fun stuff.

VanVleet didn’t force shots, he only took 23 shots — to put that in perspective when Stephen Curry scored 62 early this season, he did that on 31 attempts from the field.

His gravity off the ball when he got cooking allowed the Raptors to move the ball like they haven’t been able to all season — that wasn’t indicted by his end of game stat line of two assists.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1356789786753683457?s=20

Not only did he break the All-Time record but he did it efficiently too, VanVleet finished the game going 17/23 from the field, 11-14 from three and 9-9 from the free-throw line in only 37 minutes. VanVleet didn’t just do it from outside either, he carved his way to the rim, making six shots inside while getting to the free-throw line as mentioned already.

What this means going forward

This wasn’t an easy win, the Magic stuck in the game for a while with the lead changing 11 times and the game tied six times. The Raptors broke open the game in the third quarter when VanVleet scored 18 points to push the lead to 18 at three-quarter time.

This win and possible momentum push couldn’t have come at a better time. The Raptors currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference standings and they are headed on a long road trip. In their last five games, they have gone 2-3, including dropping a game to the Sacramento Kings — who are on pace to be the worst defense in NBA history.

The most complying part of this historic performance is the way VanVleet’s career has unfolded thus far.

VanVleet has gone from an undrafted player to a G-League player and champion with the Raptors 905 in 2017, then to the lead point guard off the bench for the Raptors, NBA Champion in 2019, recipient of a four-year $85 million deal, and now holds the Toronto Raptors franchise record for most points in a game.

VanVleet’s mantra of “Bet on yourself” is similar to the late Kobe Bryant’s mantra of “Mamba Mentality”. Obviously, Bryant’s legacy will have more impact but VanVleet may be a more achievable and relatable goal.

VanVleet is a 6’1” point guard who defends like hell while still being one of the best offensive players for the Raptors too. Kids may aspire to “be like Mike” or Kobe Bryant but not all of us can jump over a moving Aston Martin or grow to 6’6”.

Fred VanVleet is on pace (or already is?) to be a Raptors legend and will a key piece in turning this season around for the Raptors. If the Raptors struggles continue the trade machines will be a buzzin’ for Kyle Lowry destinations, so this season’s success may determine if Lowry stays as a Raptor going forward.

VanVleet’s performance and overall career thus far also highlights this;

VanVleet’s work ethic and “bet on yourself” mindset is setting the example for kids’ world the world — no matter how tall you are or against whatever odds you face, you still have a chance to get into the NBA.