2001 NBA East Semis Game 3 Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors, May 11, 2001, Vinsanity Drops 50

2001 NBA East Semis Game 3 Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors, May 11, 2001, Vinsanity Drops 50

PHI 78, TOR 102 – On May 11, 2001, Vince Carter delivered a career-high 50 points in a playoff game, setting a franchise record during Game 3 of the Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers. This was the Raptors’ first-ever home game in the Conference Semifinals, and Carter made it unforgettable. His performance came just days after Allen Iverson’s 54-point game in Game 2. Carter’s spectacular effort led the Raptors to a102-78 blowout victory, giving them a 2-1 series lead.

In 45 minutes on the court, Carter also recorded seven assists, six rebounds, nine three-pointers (a playoff career-high), and four blocks (also a playoff career-high). Remarkably, eight of those nine three-pointers came in the first half, setting an NBA playoff record for the most three-pointers in a half.

Player of the game:
Vince Carter: 50 PTS, 19-29 FGM, 67 FG%, 9-13 3PM, 69 3P%, 6 REB, 7 AST, 1 STL, 4 BLK
GmSc: 46.8, 10th all-time playoff performance.

To this day, he is still the only player in franchise history to score 50 or more points in a single postseason game.

This playoff series will be forever remembered for the legendary scoring battle between Iverson and Carter. Iverson, the 76ers’ guard, averaged 33.7 points per game, including two 50-point performances, while Carter averaged 30.4 points per game.

The Raptors would go on to lose the series in heartbreaking fashion – 88-87 in Game 7, but this Game 3 showcase remains one of the most memorable games in franchise history.