HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 31: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 31, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

Raptors Fans Show Fred VanVleet Love as Rockets Win Matchup with Guard's Former Team

zach bacharFeb 2, 2024

For the first time in his career, Fred VanVleet faced off against the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

VanVleet's efficient night helped the Houston Rockets cruise to a 135-106 win over the Raptors, a team that he spent seven years with prior to the 2023-24 season. He was a crucial part of the rotation for several of Toronto's playoff teams, averaging 14.0 points per game during the Raptors' NBA Finals victory in 2019.

In 25 minutes on Friday, VanVleet scored 10 points and dished out six assists compared to just one turnover. He shot 57.1 percent from the field, hitting two of his four attempts from behind the arc.

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Raptors fans applauded VanVleet for his time spent with the organization, while Rockets fans were impressed with his efficient night.

The Rockets improved to 23-25 after the win as head coach Ime Udoka's team attempts to re-enter the Play-In Tournament picture in the Western Conference. As for Toronto, the Raptors fell to 17-31 and have now lost eight of their last 10 games.