CLEVELAND - Down 2-0 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA playoffs, Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey turned to Fred Van Vleet in his team's darkest hour.

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The Raptors gave Van Vleet his first NBA start on national TV. Even though the Raptors fell 105-103 on a game-winning shot by LeBron James - who continues to build his case in the James-Jordan GOAT debate - Van Vleet played winning basketball. The Raptors were +14 in Fred's 33 minutes. Toronto was -6 with Lowry on the floor and DeRozan was -23 and didn't play in the fourth quarter.

Van Vleet, who led Rockford Auburn to two NIC-10 titles and one third-place IHSA basketball tournament finish, went from end-of-bencher his rookie year to NBA Sixth Man candidate this past season, averaging 20 minutes, 8.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Van Vleet's two-year rookie contract is up and he's earned himself a raise - either from the Raptors or another team.

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