Toronto Raptors: Top 5 performances from a sub-par week four
2. Fred VanVleet
Opponent: Portland Trailblazers
Stat line: 30 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 62% field goal
VanVleet was coming into this game after a horrendous performance on Monday against the Clippers where he shot 6-20 from the field. Going up against one of the best point guards in the league in Damian Lillard must have also fired up VanVleet to make a name for himself.
He came into the first in attack mode, scoring nine in the first-quarter. A sub par second frame, however, saw him only score four points with one assist as the Raptors headed into half time with a one-point lead.
It wasn’t until the 2nd half that VanVleet really got it going. The Raptors quickly gave up the lead to start the half, but “Steady Freddy” helped them win it back. VanVleet scored 10 points in that third quarter including eight straight points during one stretch. With the Raptors lead now at nine heading into the fourth, VanVleet just needed to help the team close out the Blazers.
He did just that as he scored five more points and assisted on 10 points as the Raptors were able to clinch the eight-point victory.
It was impressive to see VanVleet bounce back from a 30-percent shooting night to a 62-percent shooting performance the game after. He continues to grow with the team and could make his way into the running for an All-Star slot or even a Most Improved Player award.