The Bandwagoner's Guide to the NBA Finals
The Toronto Raptors finally did it — they're heading to the NBAFinals for the first time in franchise history. As the team heads into itsfirst ever NBA finals this week, the Raptors achievement, 24 years in themaking, has captured the imagination of sports fans, not just in Canada’sbiggest city, but around the world. In one of the most dramatic buzzer beatersin playoff history, the Raps secured a place in the Eastern Conference Finalsagainst the Milwaukee Bucks earlier in May. The pride of Toronto now face anuphill battle against Oakland’s Golden State Warriors who have won three of thelast four NBA Championships.
Jumping on the Toronto Raptors bandwagon? There’s no shame, a fanis a fan is a fan. And, with the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals for thefirst time in franchise history, the more the merrier. Still, as a bandwagonfan, it can be helpful, and more enjoyable to know some of the background onyour new favourite team. So, here’s a quick NBA Finals primer to get you allset for the series.
Let’s start with the basics.
Basketball is made up of four quarters lasting 12 minutes each.Five players on each team are on the court at the same time. The goal of thegame is to shoot a basketball in a hoop to get the most baskets which equalsthe most points. A basket counts as either two or three points, depending onhow far the shooter was from the basket when she took the shot. The NBAFinals are played as a best of seven games series; the first four games aresplit between Toronto and Oakland, California. If the series goes all the wayto seven games, the series will finish in Toronto on June 16.
Who are the Raptors playing in the NBA Finals?
The Raptors are playing the Golden State Warriors. For the GoldenState Warriors star player Steph Curry, his return to Toronto is a homecomingof sorts. His father Dell played for the Raptors and he spent a number of yearsin Toronto as a child. Other players for Raptors fans to beware includeoutstanding shooter Klay Thompson and three-time NBA All-Star Draymond Green.
Who is Kawhi Leonard?
Kawhi Leonard, also known as “The Klaw” for his abnormally large hands, is a small forward for the Raptors. Leonard is easily the best player on the Raps and is arguably the best player in the league. He literally put the Raptors on his back during the playoffs, scoring an average of just over 31 points per game—only six players in the history of the NBA have ever reached that milestone. In a league full of outspoken and overzealous superstars, Leonard’s low-key, modest and humble demeanour is refreshing.
What about Kyle Lowry?
Point guard Kyle Lowry has played for Toronto for seven seasonsand is the beloved captain and hype-man of the Raps. From not making theplayoffs, to losing his best friend to a trade, to winning the franchise’sfirst Eastern Conference title, Lowry has been through all the highs and lows.
What is Drake’s role with the Raptors?
No mention of the Raptors success would be complete without areference to their biggest celebrity fan, ambassador and courtside hype-manDrake. The Toronto-native and rap superstar has won fans and a few detractorsfor his enthusiastic courtside support of the Raps and riling fans of opposingteams.
Where is Jurassic Park and, uh, what is it?
Jurassic Park is located just outside of Scotiabank Arena inwhat’s formally known as Maple Leaf Square. During the playoffs, and sometimeseven during the regular season, it’s an area where the most dedicated andparty-seeking Toronto Raptors fans go to watch the game on the massivejumbotron outside of the arena. Jurassic Park has been absolutely lit theseplayoffs with cameo appearances on the big stage from celebs like Drake.
So, there you have it. You’re all caught up for this year’sRaptors vs. Warriors NBA Finals! Welcome to the Raptors fam—we’re prettyawesome.
