In between 19 opening-half assists and 10 forced turnovers, the Houston Rockets were likely without complaint, regarding how often the basketball fortuitously landed in their direction on March 30, 2025. In true, championship-winning point guard form, Fred VanVleet decided that said luxuries were best enjoyed alongside All-Star teammates. Draped by purple-jerseyed defenders from the moment he crosses the Phoenix Suns’ cactus-themed midcourt logo, VanVleet finds himself in near-turnover territory after Tyus Jones’ deflection forces a multiplayer fray for a loose ball. Ultimately successful in preventing a giveaway after his teammate’s accurate tap, VanVleet — with ideas already in mind before even fully gathering possession — swings a behind-the-back room service dish to his all-world center, prompting both well-deserved awes and a highlight assist. One step ahead of Phoenix throughout, VanVleet compiled one of his best performances since returning from injury, recording an efficient 13-point, two-rebound, seven-assist, two-steal, three-triple showing, as Houston moved to 23 games above .500. · Mar 31, 2025