Toronto Raptors stunned by Edmonton audience

After spending a week in Western Canada, first in Victoria for the Toronto Raptors training camp and now in Alberta for their first exhibition game against the Utah Jazz on Sunday night, it’s reasonable rates to say that support for the country’s lone NBA club goes far beyond the GTA or Southern Ontario.

This isn’t breaking news; nonetheless, the point was made very convincingly by skyrocketing TV ratings and the growth of Jurassic Parks around the nation in the course of the Raptors’ championship run in 2019.

But experiencing it firsthand is still fascinating. A live practise with some goodwill and community building baked in, the intrasquad scrimmage in Victoria drew a crowd that was as boisterous and excited as possible for the occasion.

Everyone in the building appeared to be sporting official team attire as Rogers Place in Edmonton was packed to the gills. Before the ball was put in the air, a “let’s go Raptors” chant fit for the playoffs started, and from the first tip to the final horn, every Raptors basket was celebrated as though it meant something.

“Man, the atmosphere was incredible. Every time we get to visit these various locations where people don’t get to see us as frequently, it astounds me, said Raptors guard Fred VanVleet.

“Edmonton was incredible. It appears as though people are hanging from the ceiling when you glance up at the rafters in Jurassic park. Just electric, that’s all. It was rock star treatment from the time we arrived at the hotel yesterday, and hopefully we put on a decent show for them. It was just exceptional, but it demonstrates the strength of the Raptor brand, how far we have come, and what we stand for to the public, as well as what the game and the team signify as now representing Canada.

Otherwise, what can be learned from a game that ended up being a 114-82 rout?

Actually, not that much. Prior to the game, Nurse had stated that his rotation players would have more opportunity and the starters would have fewer playing time.

The starters had a lot of turnovers and were a touch shaky; Pascal Siakam had four turnovers by himself in the first quarter while shooting just 1-of-6. However, Scottie Barnes had signs of being prepared to continue his rookie-of-the-year campaign as he finished with eight points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 17:31 of action.

Precious Achiuwa seemed fast off the dribble and cool under pressure in transition, giving hope that he won’t return to the early-season discomfort he had early in the previous season. Prior to sitting out the second half, he had 10 points, the most among the Raptors scorers in the first half.

When he possesses the ball, “He seems confident,” Nurse observed.

“He’s attempting to exert some of his power. I believed he made perimeter shots with speed and accuracy. I’m done now. He has the potential, amazing stature, and strength to assault, thus I believe he should do so. And because he’s a decent shot, simply take it if it presents itself. Simplify things little while remaining confident. I believe he shown improved control with the ball tonight.