The Toronto Raptors have had some great players over the years, from Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady to Chris Bosh and Kawhi Leonard. But it’s Fred VanVleet who now holds the franchise record for most points in a single game.
VanVleet set the record on Tuesday night, scoring an impressive 54 points in a 123-108 win against Orlando Magic. The mark to beat was 52 points, scored by DeMar DeRozan on January 1st, 2018.
What makes VanVleet’s feat even more impressive is that he needed only 23 shots from the field to get there. He was efficient from all parts of the court, making all nine free throws he attempted, drilling 11 threes out of 14 treys, and finishing the night with 17-for-23 from the game.
VanVleet now also holds the record for most points in a single game by an undrafted player, taking over from Hall of Famer Moses Malone.
“Just a special night, obviously, a lot of different levels,” said VanVleet after the game. “So just trying to enjoy it for now, but it’s not a championship or anything like that. It was a good game for me, and I’ll enjoy all the love for a couple of hours and get ready for the next one.”
Fred VanVleet signed a four-year, $85 million deal with the Raptors during the offseason, and this is already turning out to be a good move for Toronto. VanVleet is enjoying a career-season, currently averaging 20.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists throughout the first 21 games of 2020-21.
