Fred VanVleet had a terrific night against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, dropping the highest points for an undrafted player. In his 54-point game, he surpassed Moses Malone by one point but he also broke the prior record in Toronto Raptors history. The guard also became the first player to score 50+ points by draining 10+ shots from beyond the arc while maintaining 70/70% shooting percentages.
That honor belonged to DeMar DeRozan but VanVleet, one of the most inspiring players in the league, broke it on Tuesday night. He went off with 54 points and after the game, his former teammate congratulated him, sending a hilarious tweet praising Fred and roasting his friend Kyle Lowry.
“Congrats to my brotha Freddy V! Kyle old ass couldn’t do it. Glad you did champ! Been telling you!”
Congrats to my brotha Freddy V! Kyle old ass couldn’t do it. Glad you did champ! Been telling you!
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) February 3, 2021
The relationship between DeRozan and his former teammates has been great. He was part of the deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors in 2018; one year later, Lowry, VanVleet and co. helped the Klaw win his second NBA championship and the first one in Raptors history.
Fred VanVleet ERUPTS for a career-high and @Raptors franchise record 54 POINTS, 11 THREES! 🔥
Undrafted players becoming franchise record holders. Where else? #OnlyHere pic.twitter.com/BsreotFP0R
— NBA (@NBA) February 3, 2021
DeMar has never hidden his love for the franchise and the city and he never misses a chance to send messages to his old team. As he said, Lowry couldn’t do it. His career-high is 43 points, scored in 2016 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. DeRozan set his record in 2018 against the Milwaukee Bucks, dropping 52 points at the time.
