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VanVleet topples DeRozan's single-game franchise points record

kyle cantlon
Writer
·2 min read
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Dwayne Bacon #8 of the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center on February 02, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet set the franchise's single-game points record with a 54-point outing against the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Fred VanVleet, already cemented in the hearts of Toronto Raptors fans as an absolute legend after his performance in the 2019 NBA Finals and postseason, just immortalized himself once again.

VanVleet put back his 54th point of the night with just under four minutes remaining in Tuesday’s contest versus Orlando, setting the Raptors single-game points record in the process.

The all-time franchise mark in a single contest was previously held by DeMar DeRozan, who scored 52 in a 2018 meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. The beloved DeRozan, who was teammates with VanVleet in Toronto for two seasons, reached out to his friend on Twitter after he beat his record, simultaneously working in a customary not-so-subtle jab on his good buddy Kyle Lowry — who had a triple-double of his own in Toronto’s win on Tuesday.

The white-hot VanVleet was also real close to knocking down Klay Thompson’s NBA record for three-pointers in a game (14), but finished three shy after posting an absurd 11-for-14 mark from downtown in 37 minutes. His 11 triples on just 14 attempts was the seventh-best performance in NBA history from beyond the arc.

VanVleet collected a few prestigious marks on his way to the Raptors single-game points record, including one FVV will likely take immense pride in. No undrafted player in modern league history (since 1966) has scored more points in a single game than Fred “bet on yourself” VanVleet.

Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, of course, was almost at a loss for words with Fred after the game, but he was able to find some pretty good ones in breaking down VanVleet’s game and journey.

“I think it's an incredible statement. It's incredible. To be an undrafted guy and to do that. He's got a pedigree of winning with every team he's ever been on in his life... Tremendous competitor, worker, thinker, all that stuff,” Nurse said.

VanVleet — on top of his still hard to fathom 54 points — added three rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks to the statline of his ridiculous outing.

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