Fred VanVleet Scores 54, Sets Raptors Franchise Record

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Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.

Fred VanVleet has had an incredible story.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Kim Klement/USA Today.)

On Tuesday night against Orlando, Fred VanVleet couldn’t stop hitting shots. He ended up with 54 points, a new career-high but also the most points for an undrafted player (they keep saying he beat Moses Malone‘s record for an undrafted player but the legend was drafted THREE TIMES, just not by the NBA) and the most points in a game in Raptors franchise history.

It’s funny because you can go back in Raptors lore and if someone asked you that question TODAY on who has the most points in a single game for a Raptor, you would think Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, DeMar DeRozan, Damon Stoudamire, or even teammate Kyle Lowry that would have that record. DeRozan DID have it at 52. And then you see Vince at 51 but you’d also be surprised that Terrence Ross also scored 51 once in a game.

And yes, people would be surprised about Fred VanVleet, considering how far he had come. He’s a sturdy 6’1″ dude who doesn’t have the longest wingspan. He’s not long and he’s not the most athletic of players. But he’s one of the best man-to-man defenders in the league. He’s strong as hell and he will pick you up 94 feet. It’s what kept him in games early in his career and then he got rewarded with more PT as coaches saw what he could do in games. And of course, he could put the ball in the basket; he had been an excellent shooter from deep.

VanVleet is so fundamentally sound. But you know that teams ALWAYS look for potential. So FVV continues to use that as motivation. Bet on yourself, he said. And he has been since the day he did NOT get drafted.

Looking back, you still wonder how did this happen?

He went from one of the benchwarmers to a role player to a key player of an NBA championship team. He outscored Stephen Curry, 22-21, in the title-clinching game in 2019. VanVleet finally became a full-time starter in 2019-20 and averaged 17.4 points. And then now, he has the record for most points in an NBA game in Raptors franchise history.

What a story he has been. And he’s only 26 years old. We’re going to get a long career out of FVV and he may even become an all-star before all is said and done.

Bullet Passes

I’ve seen so many pundits say they would foul up three. If I was coach, I would never. I always say that the clock is your friend. What’s the worst that can happen if you try a defensive stop? OVERTIME? You’re going to defend for maybe 15 seconds or likely less. How is that so difficult?

And then if you foul up three, it becomes a free throw contest and there is that chance that the team that was up could miss a free throw. Then they’d have a chance to win. A LOT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU PROLONG A GAME. GET THE GAME OVER WITH AND DEFEND.

This was during the Clippers/Nets game, by the way. But what a finishing kick Kyrie Irving had. He was pretty much dominant in the closing minutes.

Oh, yeah. Where does FVV’s game rank in terms of most points this season? Check it.

Yes, Bradley Beal is on twice. He’s trying so hard.

Yes, the Wizards lost again.

I will never understand why Jaylen Brown was seen as not having potential to be great. When I first saw him, I just thought he had a quiet confidence in him and that he would eventually be an excellent player. I mean, he was picked THIRD, right?

Well, I raved about Memphis and then they lose to Indiana since they were on a second game of a back-to-back. I’m just a jinx.

Utah is back on their winning ways and, with the Clippers loss, promptly take back the best record in the league.

NBA Scoreboard

Feb. 2, 2021

Watch This Play

Cole Anthony sneaks in and finishes LOUDLY with this putback jam.

How come we never saw Greg Anthony do this?

Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.

You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.

You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.

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