The Toronto Raptors will be a formidable enough opponent in the NBA Finals, but the entire country of Canada might add a whole other layer to the Warriors’ three-peat challenge.
The Raptors are Canada’s only NBA team and therefore a source of pride for our neighbors to the North. In fact, prime minister Justin Trudeau celebrated the Raptors’ Eastern Conference finals win Saturday night with what could be seen as an executive order, in English and French.
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Thousands of fans outside Scotiabank Arena broke into song after the Raptors’ victory, and their choice reflected the national pride coursing through not only Torontonians but all Canadians.
That’s right outside Jurassic Park, the public viewing/gathering space formerly known as Maple Leaf Square -- hey, Canada is more than a hockey country now -- and it has become the nation’s basketball heartbeat during the Raptors’ NBA playoff run. The scenes there before, during and after Game 6 were incredible.
But could they at least let Raptors guard Fred VanVleet go home so he can rest up for the Finals? Guess not.
The bottom line: While the Warriors have downplayed home-court advantage in previous playoffs, they’ll face a unique situation in Toronto, where not only a city but an entire nation will root for their downfall. The energy inside and outside the arena has been intense, and it only promises to ramp up Thursday night for Game 1.
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Golden State Warriors
So, can the United States get on board and counter Canada by making the Warriors America’s team? Based on the amount of Dubs haters out there after the three championships in four seasons, likely not.