A re-telling of the Raptors’ incredible run to an NBA title, and the excitement that took over the city of Toronto.
I strained to look over the crowd as the buses drew closer, the applause and cheers growing stronger as the bus neared our post next to Osgoode station. The NBA champions, grinning from ear to ear, showered champagne onto fans down below as they brandished the Larry O’Brien trophy; the prize, which they had dedicated years of hard work to earn, was finally in their grasp.
June 17th was a day filled with happiness for me, not only because I am a long-time Toronto Raptors fan, but I had also graduated from the University of Toronto that very morning. As the Raptors parade was supposed to be over by the end of the convocation ceremony, I did not expect to have the chance to participate in this significant moment in Canadian sports history. In the span of 24 hours, I walked across the stage to receive my hard-earned degree, and joined in the parade to celebrate the NBA’s new champions.
The euphoria at the Raptors championship parade was birthed from decades of frustration and heartbreak with Toronto’s sports teams. To see the crowds, long-time and new fans alike, supporting the Raptors throughout the playoffs and at the championship parade was an incredible sight to behold.
The frustration and doubt towards the Raptors grew as the playoff run progressed. Questions of whether we could beat the 76ers and go back to the Eastern Conference Finals, if it was possible to come back from a 0-2 deficit against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, and how we’d be able to take down the Golden State Warriors, even without Kevin Durant, were on the mind of every avid Raptors fan.
As the playoffs continued, my admiration grew for the veteran players, such as Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, who fought to prove the critics wrong. Up and coming players, like Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, showed they could keep up with the game’s best, and experienced guys, such as Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, continued to play vital roles as they desperately fought for their first ring. The 2018-19 Toronto Raptors team proved they could defy the odds and win the NBA championship, a feat many across the NBA and even in Toronto, thought would not be possible even with Kawhi on our side.
With Kawhi and Danny leaving Toronto for the Clippers and Lakers respectively, the upcoming NBA season will be a season of challenge and change for the Raptors. However, I believe that the Raptors will be able rise above the odds once more. This past summer was truly one of the best summers of my life and I doubt I will be able to replicate the joy felt on that day as a proud Raptors fan and a graduate of the University of Toronto. Nevertheless, I look forward to my new journey as a 1L, and to a new season with the Raptors as the defending NBA Champions.