Fred VanVleet Goes Off for Career-High 54 Points

Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet scored 54 points in Tuesday's win over the Orlando Magic, which represents a career-high and Raptors franchise-record. Quite an achievement for the undrafted player from Rockford, Illinois. 

FRED VANVLEET MAKES HISTORY.

He sets a record for most points by an undrafted player 👏 pic.twitter.com/cGRONNM8h0

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 3, 2021

VanVleet went off in Orlando, going 17/23 from the field, including 11/14 3PM and 9/9 from the free throw line. Slip in 3 steals and 3 blocks and FVV had quite the complete game. His 54 point performance is the 4th 50-point game in Raptors history, after Vince Carter, Terrence Ross and DeMar DeRozan, and eclipses the previous franchise record held by DeRozan (52 points) set just over 3 years ago. DeMar was kind enough to give a shoutout to VanVleet after the game on Twitter. 

Congrats to my brotha Freddy V! Kyle old ass couldn’t do it. Glad you did champ! Been telling you!

— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) February 3, 2021

Back in September, we posted about how much VanVleet meant to the future of the Raptors and tonight was a prime example. He has upped his scoring and rebounding in each of his first five seasons, and should be able to do the same with his assists as well (he's 0.1 apg off his career-high at the moment). He provides intangibles that don't show up in the box score, is a leader in the locker room and is one of the better on-ball defenders in the league. Fred VanVleet's future in the NBA is bright. Quite bright indeed. 

Bet On Yourself

Open Gym: Moment presented by Bell@FredVanVleet | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/kqlCMVpjAB

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 3, 2021

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports