Gametime gridlock: two home games in Toronto create traffic chaos

By Andrew Bancroft May 13, 2023 29 mins read 1468 Views

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Gametime gridlock: two home games in Toronto create traffic chaos

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver was there a NBA team?

Vancouver doesn't have a NBA franchise. The Vancouver Grizzlies were the city's basketball team from 1995 to 2001. In 2001, they moved to Memphis Tennessee. Vancouver is home to the Toronto Raptors, the local NBA team. The Greater Vancouver Area also hosts professional basketball teams, such as Vancouver Volcanoes and the Canadian Elite Basketball League's BC Tigers. Several amateur and semi-professional teams also play in various local leagues.

Vancouver offers many recreational options for fans to enjoy their favorite sport, aside from basketball. Vancouver Grizzlies Alumni Association aims to help former players connect with each other, and raise awareness about the game in British Columbia. The association hosts clinics and viewing parties for Raptors matches.

The city's love of basketball has not decreased since the departures of the Grizzlies. And it continues to be a supportive community in numerous ways. Vancouverites still love basketball, and they continue to support former players and other organizations who work to promote the sport within the city.

When was the Raptors' first playoff series won?

Toronto won their inaugural playoff series when they defeated New York 3-1 in 2001. They reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2001 for the first and only time under Lenny Wilkens.

Why is Toronto Raptors called Raptors

The NBA's expansion into Canada in 1995 saw the founding of Toronto Raptors. The team's name and logo were inspired by the film Jurassic Park, released that same year. The team colours include bright red, purple and black as well as silver.

In the first season of Raptors basketball, the team struggled to find their footing in the league and finished with a 21-61 record. However, the team improved each year, and by 1999, they had made their first playoff appearance.

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).

The Raptors have been a beloved team in Canada since then. Toronto continues bringing excitement to basketball fans across the world with its international superstars as well as local talent.

Canada's proud heritage is represented by the Toronto Raptors. Their success on the courts inspires young basketball players all over 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.

What is the name of the Toronto Raptors' mascot?

The Toronto Raptors are a NBA franchise which was established in 1995. They play their games at Scotiabank Arena.

Raptor, a huge red dinosaur, is the Raptors' Mascot. Raptor was introduced in 1995 and appears at home games, entertaining fans with his acrobatics and slam dunks. He makes regular appearances in Toronto to support community projects and charities. He was honored with the NBA Mascot of the YEAR award for his years of service to the Raptors. Raptor has become a familiar figure in Toronto as well around the NBA. He is also an internationally recognized symbol of Canada’s basketball fandom.

Many in the country and throughout the city share Raptor’s enthusiasm for his team as well as its fans. Raptor was the Raptors' most prominent leader and they won their first NBA championship in 2019. This was a landmark moment for basketball fans in Canada and Toronto. Raptor is a source of pride for all Raptors family members. Raptors pride is guaranteed to continue as long as the Raptors are around. The Raptor is still around! Go, Toronto Raptors!

How did the Raptors win in 2019 the NBA title?

On July 18, 2018, the Toronto Raptors traded DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poltl, and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.

On February 7, 2019, Jonas Valanciunas (Raptors) and Delon Wright-C.J. Miles and a 2024 second-round pick from the draft to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Marc Gasol, another multiple All-Star and former Defensive Players of the Year. Jeremy Lin was signed shortly thereafter.

The Toronto Raptors had an extremely exciting offseason. Two major trades sent shockwaves through NBA. The Raptors first traded DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poltl, and a 2019 first-round draft pick (that was protected) to the San Antonio Spurs. They received Kawhi Leonard from the Spurs in exchange. Then, Jonas Valanciunas was traded to the Spurs in exchange for Delon Wright C. J. Miles and a 2024 second-round pick were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Marc Gasol, another multiple All-Star and former Defensive player of the year. These moves placed the Raptors into a formidable position to compete in the NBA title race this season. Let's look at each trade.

Kawhi Leonard's trade to the Raptors was risky but a good move. Leonard, who is coming off an MVP-caliber year, is one of the top-5 players in the league when he is healthy. On the other hand, he only played 9 games last season due to injury, and there are questions about his long-term health. The Raptors decided that the reward outweighed the risk and made the deal. Leonard has been performing at an All-Star level so far. He has been in good health. Leonard averages 26 points and 8 rebounds per game. He also shoots 49% from behind the arc and 38% at three-point range. If he keeps his health good, he could be a key to the Raptors winning the NBA title.

Marc Gasol's trade was more a short-term deal than anything else. Gasol, who is in his mid-30s, is clearly past his prime. He is still a great player and brings valuable experience to the young Raptors team. He's averaging 15 points per game, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and shoots 45% from the three-point line. C.J. and Delon Wright were both young assets that the Raptors had to give up. Miles was able to purchase Gasol, but the Raptors feel his experience is invaluable when it comes time for playoffs.

The Raptors had a great start to the season, starting with a 6-0 victory. They broke the record for their best start in 20 games with a 16-4 record. They reached 20 wins faster that any time in their past history when they beat Cleveland Cavaliers 24 times. To avoid further injury, Leonard was rested by the Raptors for more than 20 games. They still managed to secure the 2nd seed East, just behind Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors made a strong run in the playoffs and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Milwaukee Bucks' finals. Leonard was named Finals Champion and the Raptors took home their first title.

The Toronto Raptors had a great offseason. The Raptors have two All-Stars and are ready to compete for the title in years to come. They have shown that they are capable of taking risks and making bold moves, even if it means building a championship-level team. It will be interesting to see if they can keep up this success in the future.

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

Kawhi Leonard is the highest scorer on the team with 26.6 points per game, followed by Vince Carter with 23.4, Mike James with 20.3, Chris Bosh with 20.2, and DeMar DeRozan with 19.7 points per game, respectively.

Statistics

Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (en.wikipedia.org)
Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (en.wikipedia.org)
After Thomas attempted to execute a letter of intent with Slaight to purchase the team failed, he resigned from his position in November and sold his 9 percent stake in the team to Slaight. (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)
By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

How to get to the Toronto Raptors game from where you are

Toronto Raptors games are at Air Canada Centre. (ACC) is located in downtown Toronto Ontario, Canada. You can reach ACC via the TTC subway system. Union Station is about 30 minutes from ACC. Bay Street station is closest to ACC.

Bay street station is best if you're coming to ACC from Union Station. From there, follow the signs to ACC. If you are arriving at ACC from a different direction, please follow the signs for Bay Street station.

From Bay Street Station, follow the signs towards the ACC.

The venue is accessible to people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities can use the designated seating areas. In addition, the ACC offers sign language interpretation services.

There is no parking fee at the ACC. There is limited street parking close by.

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