Raptors’ Fred VanVleet scores 54 points, breaks NBA record for undrafted player in win over Magic



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Fred VanVleet is hardly known for his scoring blasts. While the Toronto Raptors guard averages nearly 19 points per game, he’s remarkably consistent in generating those points. Entering Tuesday, VanVleet had never scored 40 points in a college or NBA game. He didn’t even need three quarters to cross that threshold, as Vanvleet had the best attacking game of his career.

VanVleet scored 54 points in Toronto’s victory over the Orlando Magic, a blast that was far more than his own career high. With his final bucket, he broke DeMar DeRozan’s team record of 52 points and Hall-of-Famer’s Moïse Malone league record of 53 points from an undrafted player.

VanVleet also had another major NBA record in his sights. He shot 8 of 9 from behind the arc in the first half which allowed him to break the record for most 3 points in a game. That record is currently held by Klay Thompson, who made 14 in a 2018 game against the Chicago Bulls. VanVleet had three 3 points in the third quarter, giving him a chance to break the record, but only attempted one in the fourth quarter. He missed it and therefore finished below Donyell Marshall’s team record of 12.

Raptors coach Nick Nurse knocked out VanVleet with 2:37 left at the end of the game, ending any chance to continue the story or a 60-point night. VanVleet will have to settle for having had the most prolific night in Raptors history, while also helping his team win a game against the Charlotte Hornets and the No.8 seed in the Eastern Conference.



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