Fred VanVleet almost played hero for the Houston Rockets on Monday night.
The former Toronto Raptors point guard was having a spectacular Game 4 performance against the Golden State Warriors. He scored 25 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field and he drained 8-of-12 threes. He hit a game-tying three with 1:20 remaining to go along with 6 assists as the Rockets fought hard against the Warriors.
VanVleet had a chance to tie the game late for the Rockets. He caught the inbounds pass with four seconds left and ran down the court. He actually got a good shot off after he blew past Kevon Looney, but his attempt was way off the mark.
His off-balance three would have sent the game into overtime, but instead it resulted in a 109-106 loss for the Rockets who are now in a big 3-1 series hole.
VanVleet and the Rockets will now head home for Game 5 on Wednesday night. They need a win to keep their season alive.
Other former Raptors guard Davion Mitchell was eliminated from the playoffs as the Miami Heat got swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He will now enter restricted free agency.
Former Raptors sharpshooter Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks are one more loss away from elimination. They are down 3-1 against the Indiana Pacers and have lost Damian Lillard for the series.
Meanwhile, former Raptors wings Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby are in prime position to advance to the second round. Both players are 1 more win away with their respective teams from advancing.
CBS Sports projects Raptors taking Kasparas Jakucionis in 2025 NBA Draft
While the Toronto Raptors are in need of a backup big, they could pivot and go guard. The Raptors do have a deep guard room, but they could stock up on another young guard who they see as their future.
That guard could be Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis, that’s what CBS Sports’ Gary Parish predicts in his latest mock draft.
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