Brittney Griner gets emotional discussing Russian detainment at news conference: 'Made me cry'

By Jordan Ketler April 29, 2023 33 mins read 2307 Views

It's no secret that the Toronto Raptors have a passionate, loyal fan base. We believe in hard work and accountability - two essential components of success - not just with regards to the team, but also amongst our readership. If you're a Raptors enthusiast and you'd like to contribute your thoughts to our blog, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out at [email protected] for more information on how you can get involved.

No matter what happens on the court, we all support Masai Ujiri's vision and our beloved Raptors organization. We'll strive for a championship - "We the North!"

Brittney Griner gets emotional discussing Russian detainment at news conference: 'Made me cry'

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five most successful Raptors per-game scorers throughout Raptors' history?

Kawhi Leonard is the most prolific scorer of the team with 26.6 per game. Vince Carter follows with 23.4, Mike James (with 20.3), Chris Bosh (20.2), and DeMar DeRozan (20.2).

How did the Raptors win the NBA title in 2019?

DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poltl and a protected 2019 draft pick were traded by the Toronto Raptors to the San Antonio Spurs on July 18, 2018.

On February 7, 2019, Jonas Valanciunas was traded to the Raptors for Delon Wright, C.J. Miles, and a 2024 second-round draft pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol--another multiple All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year--and signed Jeremy Lin shortly after that.

Two big trades by the Toronto Raptors sent shockwaves through NBA. DeMar DeRozan was traded first to the Raptors, Jakob Poltl was traded second and a first-round draft pick for 2019 (that was still protected) was sent to San Antonio Spurs. They received Kawhi Leonard from the Spurs in exchange. Then they traded Jonas Valanciunas to the Spurs and Delon WrightC.J. Miles, along with a 2024 second-round selection to the Memphis Grizzlies, were traded to Marc Gasol--another All-Star and former Defender of the Year. These moves have put the Raptors in a strong position to challenge for the NBA title. Let's have a closer look at each trade.

Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Raptors as a risk-reward trade. Leonard, who is coming off an MVP-caliber year, is one of the top-5 players in the league when he is healthy. However, Leonard only played nine games last season because of injury and it is unclear if he will continue to play. However, the Raptors decided the reward was well worth the risk and settled for the deal. Leonard has been healthy thus far and is playing at an All Star standard. He is averaging 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field and 38% from three-point range. If he keeps his health good, he could be a key to the Raptors winning the NBA title.

The trade for Marc Gasol was more of a short-term move than anything else. Gasol is in his thirties and is clearly out of his prime. But, he's still a good player that brings valuable experience and talent to the young Raptors. He is averaging fifteen points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game. He shoots 45% from three-point range, while also shooting 45% from behind the arc. C.J. Wright and Delon Wright were young assets the Raptors traded. They acquired Gasol from Miles, but believe that his experience will prove invaluable in the playoffs.

The Raptors started the season with a 6-0 record. They won their 16th game against Cleveland Cavaliers on November 23rd. This broke their franchise record of 20 consecutive wins. On December 1, they reached 20 wins faster than ever before. Also, after defeating Washington Wizards 140-138 in double overtime on January 13, the Raptors set a franchise record for scoring the most points in franchise history. The Raptors were careful with Leonard and did not allow him to play more than 20 games during the season in order to avoid aggravating his injury. They still managed to secure the 2nd seed East, just behind Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors had a great run in the playoffs. They defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks to reach their first NBA Finals. Leonard was named Finals' MVP as the Raptors won the first title against the Golden State Warriors.

The Toronto Raptors enjoyed a successful offseason. This has been a huge success. The Raptors are well-positioned to be contenders over the next few years, with two All-Stars. They have shown they are capable and willing to make bold moves as well as take risks when it comes to assembling a championship-level team. It will be exciting to see if this team can continue their success.

When did the Raptors beat the Chicago Bulls?

The Raptors defeated Chicago Bulls on March 24, 1996. They would go on to win the NBA Championship in 1996. The final score was 109-108. Michael Jordan attempted a last second shot to win the Bulls game. However, it was not recorded because it was after midnight.

What are the Canadian NBA teams?

The Toronto Raptors were the Canadian NBA's only team in 2001. The Vancouver Grizzlies were an NBA team from 1995 to 2001 but relocated to Memphis and became the Memphis Grizzlies. Canada did have two NBA teams during the late 1990s: the Vancouver Grizzlies, and the Toronto Raptors. However, no other Canadian cities have an NBA team. Canadians love basketball, and many travel to the United States to watch games. The Toronto Raptors have been a famous team since their inception in 1995 and continue to draw large crowds for their home games at Scotiabank Arena. Hundreds of Canadians also travel annually to attend the NBA All-Star Weekend in the United States. With a population of over 38 million, Canada can have more than one NBA team. Many North American basketball fans have debated the possibility of a second team. The Toronto Raptors will continue to be the only Canadian representative in the NBA.

Canadian Elite Basketball League(CEBL) is a Canadian professional basketball team. This league features six teams from Canadian cities and towns, including Fraser Valley Bandits (Abbotsford, BC), Edmonton Stingers (Edmonton, Alberta), Guelph Nighthawks (Guelph, Ontario), Hamilton Honey Badgers (Hamilton, Ontario), Saskatchewan Rattlers (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan), and Niagara River Lions (St. Catharines, Ontario). The CEBL is Canada's only professional league for basketball.

From 2011 to 2020 the National Basketball League of Canada, a professional league for men's basketball, operated. It was home to eight teams, including those from Halifax, Moncton Saint John and Cape Breton as well as Summerside, London Windsor, Windsor, Windsor and Kitchener. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the NBLC ceased operation.

Canada also has junior leagues like the Canadian National Basketball League, which is a semiprofessional men's basketball league located in Vancouver, BC. The CNB features teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. Canadian Elite Development League, (CEDL), is another Canadian junior basketball league that focuses primarily on the Greater Toronto Area. AC) and Canadian Youth Basketball League. These leagues offer young basketball players the chance to improve their skills and compete in a friendly environment.

Why did NBA leave Vancouver?

NBA left Vancouver after a dispute regarding arena financing. The City had planned to contribute $40 million toward the construction of a new basketball arena. It would have 12 luxury suites, two restaurants and a bar. The City Council decided to give $60 million to the team owners to help pay off existing debt. This meant that the city had to borrow $200m to construct the arena. But the team owners would only have to pay back $20m. This would make it so that the city's tax payers would be responsible to repay the remainder of this loan.

If the NBA would agree to keep Rogers Arena open until the opening of the new facility, the City Council was willing to approve the plan. However, the league refused to compromise and said that the arena was too small for them. They didn't want to play there anymore because it was too small. They felt that it was unfair for them to continue playing in a smaller space when they weren't receiving any additional revenue.

The City Council asked the province for financial assistance. The Province agreed to contribute $150 million, but the City Council still required $100 million. That was when the City decided that it would instead concentrate on building an arena downtown.

Why is Toronto Raptors called Raptors

The Toronto Raptors were founded in 1995 as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada. The name and logo of the team were inspired by Jurassic Park's film. The team colours are silver, bright red, purple, and black.

In the first season of Raptors basketball, the team struggled to find their footing in the league and finished with a 21-61 record. The team continued to improve each year and made it to the playoffs in 1999.

The Raptors most memorable moment was 2019 when they captured their first NBA championship title. Toronto won its first championship under the leadership of Kawhi Leonard (backcourt) and Kyle Lowry (courtside).

Since then, the Raptors have become firmly entrenched as one of Canada's most beloved sports teams. Toronto continues bringing excitement to basketball fans across the world with its international superstars as well as local talent.

The Toronto Raptors are a proud part of Canada's basketball heritage, and their success on the court inspires young athletes around the country. It is clear that the Raptors will be a favorite team for many years due to their loyal fans, innovative play style, and dedication to excellence.

Which was the Raptors' best year?

The 2019 NBA Championship season was the Toronto Raptors best year. It was a memorable and thrilling season for the Raptors. This was their first ever NBA Championship. Kawhi Leonard was named Finals' MVP and the team had a regular season record of 58-24. They beat the Golden State Warriors in six games and took home the title.

The Toronto Raptors replaced Bryan Colangelo, their then-general manager, with Masai Uriri in 2013. This move would signal a new era for the franchise that would see them become one of the best teams in the NBA.

Under Ujiri, the Raptors enjoyed a resurgence, reaching the playoffs in 2014 for the first time since 2008. The Raptors have won five Division titles, and they had their most successful regular-season in 2018. Ujiri also made a risky, but profitable trade that year and sent DeMar DeRozan over to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard.

The Raptors had a fantastic 2019, clinching their first conference championship and making it to the NBA finals for the inaugural time. They conquered the Golden State Warriors in a total of six games.

Ujiri’s tenure with Raptors has been a tremendous success. It is worth recognizing him as the one who changed the team’s fortunes. The Raptors are now among the best in the NBA and look poised for greatness for the future.

The 2019 championship season is certain to be one of the most memorable in Raptors' history.

Ujiri, and all of the Toronto Raptors should continue to work towards creating a winning culture for their players and staff. This team has a bright future if it continues to be dedicated to excellence. The 2019 championship season has set the bar for Toronto Raptors, and it's up to Ujiri and his team to continue building on this success.

Statistics

This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (en.wikipedia.org)
This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
In November of the 1996–97 season, Bitove sold his ownership interest in the team to Slaight for $65 million after Slaight had activated a shotgun clause in their partnership agreement,[32][33] giving Slaight 79 percent control of the team, [34] (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

Tips on Where to Eat Before the Toronto Raptors Game at Scotiabank Arena

Avoiding eating before a game is the best thing to do. If you are hungry upon arrival at the arena, there will be plenty of food available inside.

A variety of concessions can be found along the concourse, as well as the stands. There are some places that only serve beer while others offer hot dogs, pizza, and other food options.

Concession stands selling nachos are one of the most popular. These cheesy snack options include toppings such as cheese sauce, jalapenos, and bacon bits.

Another option is to get tickets for a pregame party. Many restaurants host these events where guests can enjoy food and drinks before entering the arena.

It's a great place to try local cuisine. The menu features ribs, chicken wings, and pulled pork sandwiches.

You will find many fast food outlets nearby, including Subway and Tim Hortons.

You can find healthy restaurants within walking distance for those who want to avoid greasy foods. One notable place is Freshii. Freshii is a chain that specializes in organic wraps and fresh salads.

Other options include sushi bars and juice shops.

If you are looking for something more than just a coffee shop or ice cream parlour, there are plenty of options right around the corner.

You can find a variety of restaurants to satisfy your cravings before or during the Toronto Raptors game. You should allow enough time for security screenings and finding your seat.

Have fun cheering on your home team. And thank you for reading! Go Raptors! Enjoy the game!

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