Raptors news: Fred VanVleet pulls 'big balls' dance in front of Sam Cassell after huge dagger

Fred VanVleet busted out the iconic "big balls" dance in front of it's maker, Sam Cassell, during the Raptors' visit against Philadelphia.

The Toronto Raptors pulled away from the Philadelphia 76ers late in the game to escape with a 115 – 109 win. Despite the home team's late surge, the Nick Nurse-led team stood their ground thanks to huge threes from their starting backcourt of Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr.

After VanVleet's dagger three from the corner, the point guard had some fun with his teammates. As he was sprinting back to the bench, VanVleet busted out the “big balls” celebration, much to the delight of the Raptors bench. (via Rob Perez)

Fred VanVleet for the win and SAM CASSELL BIG BALLS CELE pic.twitter.com/FL6YUXJser

— 🚁Sky Wob🚁 (@WorldWideWob) November 12, 2021

Funnily enough, the progenitor of this celebration, Sam Cassell was here to witness this moment. Cassell is now part of the Sixers' coaching staff, and the former journeyman point guard watched as VanVleet iced the game for the Raptors. After the game, VanVleet went over to the Sixers bench to shake hands with Cassell.

FVV went over and paid respect to the man Sam Cassell himself after the play/final buzzer pic.twitter.com/8HPyGbCoEY

— 🚁Sky Wob🚁 (@WorldWideWob) November 12, 2021

It's all fun and games right now for Fred VanVleet, but the Raptors guard might be looking at some repercussions for pulling out the “big balls” dance. As Bobby Marks noted in a reply to the tweets above, the NBA has a history of fining players who did this dance. However, Warriors guard Klay Thompson was able to get away with doing this against the Raptors in the 2019 Finals, so maybe FVV can escape the fines here…

In the past players have been fined for doing the dance. We will see if that is the case now.

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 12, 2021

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the league upholds their rule and fine VanVleet for his actions. A shame if they do fine him, since it's such a hilarious celebration. The Raptors guard won't be losing sleep over this, though: FVV has been on a tear for the Raptors this season, averaged 18.7 points per game along with 7.1 assists and 5 rebounds on 42/38/81 shooting splits. The man is on a mission to make the All-Star team, and petty fines for a harmless celebration won't derail him.