The Toronto Raptors are in a deep hole after their Game 2 defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers. Fred VanVleet knows he hasn't played up to standard so far, but sounds far from discouraged.

The Raptors All-Star spoke out after their 112-97 loss on Monday night.

Via Josh Lewenberg:

“This is that time of year. It's a great challenge for all of us in our young career to step up. This is a platform where you want to go from good to great, and I'll speak for myself, I didn't answer that call tonight.”

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Fred VanVleet finished with 20 points and seven assists on the night, but took more shot attempts than his point total, going 7-for-23 on the night.

Though the end result already seems lopsided, the Raptors were able to cut into the deficit in the fourth quarter after being down by as much as 29 points.

Despite the 0-2 deficit, the series is still far from over as all the Sixers have done is maintain their home-court advantage. But that sets up Game 3 as a must-win for the Raptors on their home floor as another loss would be curtains for them barring a miracle unlikely to come when down 0-3.

Given the championship pedigree and playoff experience of Fred VanVleet, it won't be surprising to see him come out guns blazing for Game 3.