Fred VanVleet – Stock Up
In truth, Fred VanVleet was pretty average this week. But he had a career-high, so there’s no way he’s missing out this week.
Still, let’s talk about Fred’s performances before Thursday night.
VanVleet was injected into some heavy starters minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks once Danny Green disappeared to the locker room early in the first quarter. VanVleet was fine, he distributed the ball fairly well and only turned the ball over once. His 10 points came on 4-9 shooting, including 50-percent from three, it was fine.
VanVleet stepped into the starting line-up again on Sunday night, with Kyle Lowry ruled out. It was an all-around solid performance against the Clippers, with nine points, five rebounds, and seven assists, the Raptors needed VanVleet to do a little bit of everything and he did it well, he always steps up when he’s starting the game. He did disappear against the Sixers though, his impact was practically non-existent.
Thursday night belonged to VanVleet though, his career-high 30-points came on with a green light. Shooting 11-22 from the field and 36-percent from three, VanVleet had his best game as a Raptor in quite some time, maybe ever.
VanVleet was instrumental as the Raptors were forced to bounce back from an abysmal first half, as the Raptors gave up 68 points in the first two quarters. He was once again in the starting line-up as Kawhi Leonard was rested due to a sore knee.
Fred is averaging 13.4 points as a starter and looks a lot more comfortable operating beside Kyle Lowry as a spot-up shooter and secondary playmaker, last night only emphasized that point more.
Congrats Fred VanVleet on a terrific night, it’s well deserved.