Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet wasn't just instrumental in his team's win on Sunday over the Philadelphia 76ers, he also made a highlight-reel bucket with his crazy 36-foot bank shot to beat the shot clock in the first quarter. After the game, he admitted that he does practice those types of shots.
Per Josh Lewenberg of TSN, VanVleet admitted that contrary to most players, he's not afraid of jacking up crazy shots like the one against the Sixers. In fact, he takes the time to perfect them.
“I do practice dumb shots like that all the time, so I'm never afraid to mess up my shooting percentages. As bad as I shot the other night I think the basketball Gods owed me a couple tonight.”
Props to the Sixers for their stellar defense in the possession, but the crafty VanVleet was just too good and too lucky at that moment.
WHAT. A. SHOT. ‼️
Fred VanVleet oh my goodness 😳 pic.twitter.com/04dnK9mh4D
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 22, 2021
VanVleet finished the game with 23 points, five rebounds, and nine assists, earning praises from coach Nick Nurse. It was a much-needed victory for the up-and-down Raptors as they haven't been looking their best so far. A win over the Eastern Conference-leading Sixers would surely help in their resolve moving forward.
Nick Nurse on Fred VanVleet: "He looked like an all-star tonight."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) February 22, 2021
Sunday's victory was the Raptors' fourth consecutive W. Slowly and surely, they seem to be returning to top form after a slow start. The next few games will be tough for Fred VanVleet and company though. They'll face the Sixers again on Tuesday, followed by the Miami Heat on Wednesday, and the Houston Rockets on Friday.
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