Epic win by Raptors proves Vanvleet’s worth
FVV AND CREW BLOW TWO DOUBLE-DIGIT LEADS TO WIN IN TRIPLE OT THRILLER 124-120
The mentality of an elite gunslinger in the NBA is to keep hoisting shots on nights when shots aren’t dropping, knowing the next attempt will find net.
It’s a mindset that separates the good from the great, a transition Fred Vanvleet has made as his case for an all-star berth gathers steam.
The latest example of FVV’S ascension was provided Saturday night in South Beach, Fla., in what would turn out to be an epic evening of high-end drama that required triple overtime.
Vanvleet had just returned from a knee issue that kept him out of the lineup for Toronto’s past two games.
In the hours leading up to tipoff, head coach Nick Nurse couldn’t confirm Vanvleet’s availability, saying his starting point guard had to undergo one final test before being cleared.
Vanvleet looked out of rhythm.
By any measurement, he was putting together a performance that was akin to a brick-fest.
But he kept firing knowing his shot would eventually drop.
Even as the Raptors blew two double-digit leads and were able to summon only 15 fourth-quarter points after leading Miami in each of the game’s first three quarters, it was just a matter of time before Vanvleet would take over the night.
It arrived in overtime when he buried three successive three-pointers, including two in the fateful third overtime as the Raptors survived the Heat in a marathon 124-120 win.
Jimmy Butler recorded a triple-double, his second against the Raptors in two meetings between teams that will go toe to toe again Tuesday night in Toronto.
Scottie Barnes forced overtime when he buried two clutch free throws in regulation after hauling down an offensive rebound.
Gary Trent Jr. produced his third successive game of scoring 30 or more points to lead Toronto’s offence with his 33-point effort.
There was Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby producing double-doubles, each on the cusp of manufacturing triple-doubles.
All five of Toronto starters played in excess of 50 minutes highlighted by Siakam’s game-high 57 minutes, marking the first time in NBA history since the advent of the shot clock that five players on the same team were pushed to such limits.
There was resilience, perseverance and excellence when shots needed to be made, traits that easily describe Vanvleet and his ability to step up in a big moment.
Following Toronto’s win, which lifted its record above .500 at 24-23, Vanvleet spoke of the Raptors’ ability to stick together and fight through adversity.
In a few days, the reserves for this year’s all-star game in Cleveland will be announced.
Big-stage Vanvleet deserves to be among the game’s best.
No practice was scheduled Sunday for the Raptors, a time that will allow Nurse to further lobby his coaching peers as NBA coaches decide on all-star reserves.
Admittedly, Nurse hadn’t given much thought when the subject was broached during his pre-game availability in Miami.
He did say the back and forth between coaches began once the all-star starters were unveiled last Thursday.
An all-star appearance won’t validate Vanvleet because his body of work speaks for itself.
There is a certain cache such an acknowledgment carries in a star-driven league where stars do get the benefit of the whistle.
Big picture, it remains to be seen what, if any, moves can be made by the Raptors to help Vanvleet as the Feb. 10 trade deadline approaches.
There’s no bench to speak of and Toronto did overcome a minus-8 rating against Miami in offensive rebounds.
The last thing the Raptors want to do is run Vanvleet into the ground amid the obvious need to address the backup point position.
A rebounder, a wing presence who can knock down shots, there are some glaring areas that require upgrades.
There’s no way the Raptors will disrupt their core of Vanvleet, Trent Jr., Barnes, Siakam and Anunoby.
Vanvleet’s 19 points were the fewest Saturday among all five starters, but no one stood taller when a game needed to be won.
Toronto’s bench produced nine points.
The Raptors have become Vanvleet’s team and his teammates follow his lead.
Toronto led the East-leading Heat by 16 in the third quarter only to be outscored 27-17 in the final period of regulation.
The Raptors did catch a break when Miami prematurely celebrated Gabe Vincent’s 35-foot heave that dropped in the second overtime.
Before he released the basketball, Vincent did not see head coach Erik Spoelstra signal for a timeout.
That forced a third OT session when Vanvleet stepped up to steal the show.
“Just a terrific ball game in the fourth quarter and all the overtimes,” said Spoelstra, whose Heat team was playing the back end of a back-to-back.
Equally terrific was Siakam, whose night included six assists, four steals and four blocks to complement his 21 points and 13 rebounds.
“He’s been at an all-nba level for a while now,’’ said Vanvleet. “He carries a huge load for our franchise and he takes a lot of heat when he doesn’t play well.”