On behalf of the entire MeloTel team, we’d like to wish the very best of luck to our hometown Toronto Raptors tonight! As you’re undoubtedly aware, our Raps will be taking on the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. It will be a history-making event as there has never been an NBA Finals game played outside of the United States before.
As Torontonians, we’re admittedly on a high like never before right now. The playoffs, thus far, have been absolutely incredible. From Kawhi Leonard’s buzzer-beating bucket to eliminate the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of Round Two to the four-wins-in-a-row beating of the Milwaukee Bucks after being down in the series 0-2 in Round Three, this year’s NBA Playoffs have been nothing short of exhilarating!
Winning it all will be no easy feat for the Raptors.
Make no mistake about it – the Raps are in for their biggest test against the Golden State Warriors. No basketball fan needs to be reminded that they have won three out of the last four NBA Championships. Tonight’s game against the Raptors marks the Warriors’ fifth straight appearance in the NBA Finals.
With undeniable superstars such as Steph Curry (who spent some time growing up in Toronto), Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevin Durant on their squad, the Golden State Warriors make up the most intimidating opponent in the NBA. While many Raptors fans are elated that their team has made it into the Finals, most are hoping for even more.
The Raptors are heavily considered underdogs.
Unquestionably, the MeloTel staff joins our fellow Torontonians in rooting for the Raptors to win it all. However, there are many who believe our chances are slim. Sportsnet – one of Canada’s leading sports broadcasters – isn’t among the doubters.
In an article published on their website yesterday, Sportsnet declared the Raptors to be “narrow” home favourites. “Toronto has enjoyed recent success against the Warriors,” the article points out, “The Raptors were the only team in the NBA to sweep their season series with Golden State, posting two victories to end an eight-game slide, capped by a lopsided 113-93 win at Oracle Arena on December 12.”
The Drake saga continues.
While it has no real bearing on what takes place on the court, the Raptors’ Global Ambassador and music megastar, Drake is receiving criticism from many outside-of-Toronto people for his antics at courtside. Known to be front row at many a Raptors game, Drake has been especially exuberant over the past few outings. And who can blame him? As we’ve pointed out, the Raptors are making history!
Nevertheless, The Canadian Press reports via Global News that the NBA has contacted the Toronto Raptors about Drake’s behaviour during the playoffs.
According to the report, “while most of his antics are limited to standing up and shouting at opposing players – which are allowed by the NBA’s fan conduct policy, so long as extreme language is not used – he has also drawn the ire of at least one opposing coach for walking onto the court during timeouts and rubbing Toronto head coach Nick Nurse’s shoulders – which are in violation of said policy.”
As far as the MeloTel team is concerned, we only have the following to say: Go Drake! And LET’S GO RAPTORS!!!
