The Toronto Raptors will be a formidable enough opponent in the NBA Finals, but the entire country of Canada might add a whole other layer to the Warriors' three-peat challenge.
The Raptors are Canada's only NBA team and therefore a source of pride for our neighbors to the North. In fact, prime minister Justin Trudeau celebrated the Raptors' Eastern Conference finals win Saturday night with what could be seen as an executive order, in English and French.
History made! @Raptors, it's time to bring that championship to Canada! #WeTheNorthβ Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 26, 2019
Quelle partie mΓ©morable! Les @Raptors, il est temps de rapporter le trophΓ©e au Canada! #WeTheNorthβ Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 26, 2019
Thousands of fans outside Scotiabank Arena broke into song after the Raptors' victory, and their choice reflected the national pride coursing through not only Torontonians but all Canadians.
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Raptors fans took to Front Street from Scotiabank Arena and Jurassic Park after Toronto's Game 6 victory. @CityAdrian captured the crowd singing a very cheerful rendition of "O Canada." #Raptors #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/o9Q44BbMD3β CityNews Toronto (@CityNews) May 26, 2019
That's right outside Jurassic Park, the public viewing/gathering space formerly known as Maple Leaf Square -- hey, Canada is more than hockey now -- and it has become the nation's basketball heartbeat during the Raptors' NBA playoff run. The scenes there before, during and after Game 6 were incredible.
Easily a couple thousand waiting outside Jurassic Park right now. One hour until gates open, three until game starts. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/6jkFaSgvdtβ Jacob Lorinc (@jacoblorinc) May 25, 2019
Toronto is hyped. Huge lineup for Jurassic Park well over 3 hours ahead of Game 6. #Raptors pic.twitter.com/N7izij3lhUβ Andy Redding (@TheAndyRedding) May 25, 2019
Jurassic Park reacts to the Raps advancing! pic.twitter.com/SciP4Z6b1Qβ TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 26, 2019
No words, Toronto. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/LgAc5bs3Zbβ Scotiabank Arena (@ScotiabankArena) May 26, 2019
Can confirm, Toronto is alive tonight. Every time the light switches, #Raptors fans are partying in the intersection near Jurassic Park. #WeTheNorth #Toronto pic.twitter.com/A0XQ4PkxyFβ Danielle d'Entremont (@ddentremo) May 26, 2019
But could they at least let Raptors guard Fred VanVleet go home so he can rest up for the Finals? Guess not.
The crowd in #Toronto is so insane right now, Fred VanVleet can't even drive π
(πΉ: Fred VanVleet/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/ERPyxsiZY0β Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 26, 2019
The bottom line: While the Warriors have downplayed home-court advantage in previous playoffs, they'll face a unique situation in Toronto, where not only a city but an entire nation will root for their downfall. The energy inside and outside the arena has been intense, and it only promises to ramp up Thursday night for Game 1.
So, can the United States get on board and counter Canada by making the Warriors America's team? Based on the amount of Dubs haters out there after the three championships in four seasons, likely not.