Toronto Raptors: Top 5 performances from a sub-par week four

4. Fred VanVleet

Opponent: Dallas Mavericks

Stat line: 24 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 44% field goal

It was clear throughout this week that there was a clear issue with depth on the Raptors, especially at the point guard position after losing Kyle Lowry. It forced Fred VanVleet to play an absurd 42.5 minutes a game over his last two heading into this game against the Mavs. However, this did not seem to affect VanVleet in the slightest. He still continuously stepped up when the team needed him the most.

With Pascal Siakam struggling mightily throughout the entire contest, VanVleet was asked to carry an even larger burden than usual. VanVleet usually likes to get his teammates involved early but was unable to do so as nearly the entire team started off frigidly cold. VanVleet switched into the offensive and scored 10 out of the teams 22 points in the first.

After subbing back in with five minutes left in the first half, the Raptors had a small lead and the offense was looking better. It allowed VanVleet to go back to being a facilitator as he picked up four assists and scored three himself to end the half.

It was the second half, unfortunately, where the Raptors did not play at the level they are used to as the team quickly blew their seven-point half time lead. VanVleet struggled as he was asked to play the whole third quarter and the first two minutes of the fourth.

By the time VanVleet re-entered the game they were down 10 points and it was clear the offense was not clicking. VanVleet tried valiantly but the game ended in an eight-point loss for the Raptors.