VanVleet: Toronto 'special place for basketball' despite Raptors' struggles

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet still has a lot of love for the city of Toronto.

VanVleet played against his former team, the Raptors, in Toronto for the first time Sunday since leaving in 2023, with the Rockets securing a 114-110 victory.

It was the Raptors' seventh consecutive loss, pushing them to 7-22 on the campaign and 28th in the NBA. Despite those losses, Scotiabank Arena continues to be full, and VanVleet noticed the crowd's involvement.

"This crowd, given the season that you guys are having, for them to be out there cheering and still showing up on a nightly basis, this is a special place for basketball," VanVleet told TSN's Josh Lewenberg.

The officials made a controversial out-of-bounds call late in the fourth quarter, awarding the Rockets the ball up three with just 13.1 seconds remaining. A displeased Toronto crowd let the refs have it.

VanVleet spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Raptors, becoming a one-time All-Star and an NBA champion in 2019. The 30-year-old was greeted with cheers when he was announced in the Rockets' starting lineup pregame.

"I always think about what (Toronto) means to me and my family, but I never think about what I mean to other people until I get here, so that's always a blessing and something that I never take for granted," VanVleet said.

VanVleet struggled Sunday, putting up just two points and shooting 1-of-10 from the field. He was guarded for a large part of the contest by Raptors rookie guard Jamal Shead, who caught the attention of the nine-year pro.

"Love him," VanVleet said. "Wasn't much fun playing against him, but I love him. I loved him in college. We were able to start a little relationship. I'm happy for that kid, and the sky is the limit. He's one of those guys you just want to root for, so I'm happy to see him have success."

Shead secured his first career double-double in the loss with 11 points and 10 assists. Fellow rookie Ja'Kobe Walter led the Raptors with a career-high 27 points.

Meanwhile, Canadian Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 27 points.

Houston sits at 19-9 following the victory and plays the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. The Raptors will look to end their losing skid Monday against the New York Knicks.