Can they do it again?
In less than one hour, the Toronto Raptors square off against the Boston Celtics in a winner-take-all Game 7 match-up — with the chance to repeat as NBA champions on the line.
It all comes on the heels of a thrilling Game 6, which saw the Raps pull out all the stops in double overtime to save their season, while helping to cement the roster’s reputation as clutch playoff performers.
“We are so proud of who you are and what you are and how you play,” Toronto Mayor John Tory said in a video posted on Twitter Friday morning.
“Bring on Game 7 — we’re with you all the way. Go Raptors.”
Cheering on our <a href=”https://twitter.com/Raptors?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@Raptors</a> from Toronto City Hall, across the city and even northern Ontario ahead of <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Game7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Game7</a>. Thanks to <a href=”https://twitter.com/McKelvieWard25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@McKElvieWard25</a> for putting this video together with our Council colleagues and <a href=”https://twitter.com/fordnation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@FordNation</a>. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheNorth?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#WeTheNorth</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raptors?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Raptors</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaptorsVsCeltics?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#RaptorsVsCeltics</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAplayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NBAplayoffs</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/RTZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#RTZ</a> <a href=”https://t.co/F86Y9wQmg9″>pic.twitter.com/F86Y9wQmg9</a>
—@JohnTory
We are so proud of our <a href=”https://twitter.com/Raptors?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@Raptors</a>! Bring on Game 7 tonight! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raptors?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Raptors</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NBAPlayoffs</a> <a href=”https://t.co/o87n46QN1Q”>pic.twitter.com/o87n46QN1Q</a>
—@JohnTory
The feel around this year’s playoff run is obviously very different, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the NBA into a playoff bubble at Walt Disney World in Florida.
The scene at Jurassic Park is set with fans watching in their cars to abide by COVID-19 physical distancing regulations.
The scene is set at Jurassic Park <br><br>Going live from our <a href=”https://twitter.com/cbcsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@cbcsports</a> twitter account. Head over there and join the pregame party. <a href=”https://t.co/5z4EvmGo12″>pic.twitter.com/5z4EvmGo12</a>
—@Devin_Heroux
And Canada’s support of its only NBA team is still palpable..
While fans can’t cheer on the team like they normally would, there are online options to show your support ahead of tonight’s game:
Let’s Go Raptors!<br>Raptors (and Camo) Day <a href=”https://twitter.com/Saint_Kateri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@Saint_Kateri</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/wcdsbawesome?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#wcdsbawesome</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaptorsVsCeltics?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#RaptorsVsCeltics</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/raptorsin7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#raptorsin7</a> <a href=”https://t.co/9vepM0HQfE”>pic.twitter.com/9vepM0HQfE</a>
—@Saint_Kateri
Even though you can’t be with them our players feel your support from all around the globe.<br><br>Let’s send them something special ahead of Game 7.<br><br>Click the link and send us a video message to the fellas wherever you are in the world » <a href=”https://t.co/bEecThP4iG”>https://t.co/bEecThP4iG</a> <a href=”https://t.co/ZdOyQ8Ntl7″>pic.twitter.com/ZdOyQ8Ntl7</a>
—@Raptors
Though the Raptors have been largely defined as a team that wins by committee and with a staunch commitment to defence, it was Kyle Lowry who carried them Wednesday with yet another memorable performance.
The six-time all-star had 33 points in 53 minutes, plus eight rebounds and six assists in a monster performance.
WATCH | Raptors force Game 7 against Celtics:
“That’s what great players do,” coach Nick Nurse said. “That’s what the tough players do and he is, man. He is a great one. He’s fun to watch. He’s the ultimate competitor. Toughness and he steps into it. He’s not afraid of the moment. He made some big ones for sure. He played great.”
Norman Powell chipped in with 23 points off the bench for the defending NBA champions. Fred VanVleet added 21 points, OG Anunoby and Serge Ibaka, who’d been questionable after spraining his ankle in Game 5, each finished with 13 points, while Pascal Siakam had 12.
The winner of tonight’s game will face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference final.
