‘Best fans in world’ show their support
Raptor GM Ujiri compliments crowd as thousands pack Maple Leaf Square for game
Raptors fans were described as the sixth man on the court for the Toronto-Brooklyn series, acting as extra motivation to push the team through rough times. The sixth man showed up in force Sunday.
An estimated 10,000 people gathered at Maple Leaf Square to cheer for the Raptors in the final game of their firstround playoff series and, ultimately, their season. Fans filled the square, strained at barricades set up along Bremner Blvd. and milled about in packs outside the Air Canada Centre.
Two hours before tipoff, Maple Leaf Square was already filled to capacity with a vocal crowd clad almost entirely in Raptors gear.
“It’s going to be like it was for the Leafs last year. It’s going to be electric,” Shiva Maharaj said before the game, his face painted half red, half white, the words “We The North” scrawled across his cheeks.
He and his friends watched every game of the series in the square — temporarily dubbed Jurassic Park by fans and media.
Michelle Choong said Raptors fans are simply unlike any other basketball fans.
“I’ve been to a Chicago playoff came and it doesn’t compare,” said Choong, who made a giant collage for Game 7. “We’re just a dedicated crowd. There’s so much passion.”
Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri took the stage before Game 7, something he hadn’t done since dropping an F-bomb ahead of Game 1.
“I just wanted to come out here and thank the best fans in the world,” Ujiri told the crowd. “You guys know exactly how I feel.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper tweeted his congratulations to the Raptors for a strong season, posting: “Great effort, @Raptors! Came up short but we’re all looking forward to next season. #WeTheNorth #NorthernUprising #RTZ.”
Among the celebrities attending the game were rapper Drake, the Raptors’ global ambassador, in his usual seat beside the Toronto bench; Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf and his actress wife Elisha Cuthbert; and popular former Raptors forward Charles Oakley.