Memories, memes and a shoulder massage
A few funny things happened on the way to the championship ...
It took the Toronto Raptors nearly two months and 24 games against four opponents to complete the franchise’s first NBA championship. The run brought Canadians together in a way few sporting events ever have, producing some unforgettable moments — both on and off the court — along the way. From epic plays to trolling to record crowds, here is a look back at some of the lasting memories from Toronto’s playoff run, beyond the final score.
Video gaga
Raptors coach Nick Nurse’s reaction to a call against guard Fred VanVleet in the opening round against Orlando was an instant internet hit. In Game 4, which the Raptors went on to win 107-85, Nurse’s jaw dropped for a full 11 seconds following the call for a borderline three-second violation, before the coach pulled himself together. A video clip of the moment was trending on social media, which didn’t faze Nurse when he was informed postgame: “I wasn’t aware of that. Is trending a good thing?”
Kawhi not?
After The Shot there was the dunk, both dumbfounding plays etched into franchise history by Kawhi Leonard. The Shot — a buzzer-beater from the right corner, just inside the three-point line at Scotiabank Arena — bounce, bounce, bounce, bounced off the rim before falling through the hoop to eliminate the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinal. It also gave fans a rare glimpse of unbridled emotion from the Raptors’ reserved superstar — after they’d caught their breath. The dunk, over Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo with just under seven minutes to play, took Leonard’s status to another level in Game 6 of the conference final. Leonard posterized the Greek Freak with a left-handed jam, giving the Raptors a commanding 87-79 lead and sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Love for Lowry
Leonard was the Raptors’ superstar this season, but many fans were happiest to see fivetime all-star Kyle Lowry lift the Eastern Conference trophy after beating the Bucks in six games. Lowry held back around mid-court as Pascal Siakam and then Leonard each took a pair of free throws in the final 10 seconds of the series-clinching game: hands behind his head, broad smile, taking it all in. Lowry kept a hand on the game ball as he celebrated with his family and accepted the trophy, with the crowd chanting his name.
Drake drama
Toronto-born rapper and Raptors fan/global ambassador Drake stirred up controversy throughout the post-season with his sideline antics.
He trolled 76ers big man Joel Embiid by mimicking his airplane celebration, wore Philadelphia gear to infect the Sixers with the so-called Drake curse — after his support had been deemed bad luck in several ways — and he drew the attention of Warriors star Stephen Curry by sporting a Raptors throwback jersey bearing the name and number of Curry’s dad Dell.
He also drew a warning from the NBA (plus the ire of Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer) after massaging Nurse’s shoulders during Game 4 of the Eastern final. All together now What should perhaps be remembered most about the Raptors’ post-season run is the level of support they received across the country.
The annual Jurassic Park gathering of a few thousand fans outside Scotiabank Arena, watching the action on a big screen, spawned more and more public viewing parties nationwide.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment counted 56 outdoor gatherings across the country during the Finals, plus 36 Cineplex movie theatres screening the games.
Along with record TV ratings, it reflected an unprecedented wave of grassroots support for the sport in Canada — and didn’t go unnoticed by the NBA champions.