2. The number of individual 30+ point games by a Raptors’ player
In 2021 the Raptors were certainly not consistent. Nick Nurse used a multitude of different starting lineups and rotations over the season. However, 10 different times a Raptors’ player dropped 30 plus points in a game, including former Raptor Norman Powell.
In January, moved into the starting lineup, Powell produced a 43-point gem on March 17, in a loss to the Detroit Pistons. But perhaps the individual performance of the season came from point guard Fred VanVleet in a February 2 victory 123-108 over the Orlando Magic. That night, VanVleet was on fire, scoring a franchise-record 54 points.
Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. had great games for the Raptors.
On April 11th, 2021, Trent’s 44-point outburst was extremely impressive as the Raptors were shorthanded that night. He went 17-19 from the field in an efficient, effortless performance leading to a 135-115 victory over the Cavaliers.
It was an eye-opening game because, as an upcoming RFA, the Raptors need to decide on a contract for Trent, who could be looking at a deal similar to what Bogdan Bogdanovic signed with the Atlanta Hawks in November last year. Toronto has talent up and down the roster. They need to return to the friendly confines of the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto and stay healthy.