Raptors' VanVleet has career night in win over Magic

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Toronto Raptors' guard Fred VanVleet became the Canadian-based basketball team's all-time top scorer in a single NBA game, tallying 54 points against the Orlando Magic.

With this huge contribution, VanVleet-led Raptors on Tuesday night earned a 123-108 victory in Orlando's Amway Center.

VanVleet, 26, has been playing for the Raptors since 2016. He was the 2019 NBA champion with this franchise.

He also scored the most points for an undrafted player.

"Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet has scored the most points ever by an undrafted NBA player: 54 against Orlando, surpassing Moses Malone (53)," NBA insider Shams Charania tweeted Wednesday.

An active NBA player, DeMar DeRozan previously had the single-game scoring record for the Raptors as the 31-year-old scored 52 points against the Milwaukee Bucks in January 2018.

DeRozan was a longtime Raptors guard (2009-2018) until his move to the San Antonio Spurs, where he is currently playing.

In the game against Orlando, Norman Powell racked up 23 points. Meanwhile, Toronto star Kyle Lowry made a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

In Magic, Montenegrin center Nikola Vucevic tallied 21 points and 18 rebounds.

French guard Evan Fournier scored 21 points for Magic as well.

Magic's rookie guard Cole Anthony bagged 16 points and seven rebounds.

The Raptors had 9-12 win/loss record in the 2020-21 NBA regular season.

The Magic won eight games but lost 14 others this season.

- Tuesday's results:

Orlando Magic - Toronto Raptors: 108-123

Brooklyn Nets - Los Angeles Clippers: 124-120

Indiana Pacers - Memphis Grizzlies: 134-116

Washington Wizards - Portland Trail Blazers: 121-132

Utah Jazz - Detroit Pistons: 117-105

Golden State Warriors - Boston Celtics: 107-111