Raptors beat Magic during reunion, honor 25th anniversary

 

 

Photo by Zharita Dimaculangan, EBC Southern Ontario Bureau, Eagle News Service.

 

By Zharita Dimaculangan
EBC Southern Ontario Bureau

TORONTO, CANADA (Eagle News) — On Monday night the Toronto Raptors took on the Orlando Magic in the first meeting of the two teams since the Raptors eliminated the Magic in the first round of last season’s playoffs. Despite the Magic’s fight late in the fourth quarter, the Toronto Raptors were able to hold on and win 104-95.

Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 26 points on 38.8% shooting with six assists. Honorable mention goes to the reigning Most Improved Player, Pascal Siakam, who finished the night with 24 points and nine rebounds. Siakam has been having a great start to the season after his championship summer. In just seven games, Siakam is averaging 27.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG and is shooting 52.9% from the field. Some have even argued that, if Siakam takes another leap in his game, he may be the recipient of back-to-back MIP awards.

Not only was this a reunion for the two teams but also the debut of the franchise’s retro jersey and court to commemorate their 25th anniversary. The Raptors unveiled their “25 Rewind” night where the center of the court was adorned with a velociraptor and vibrant purple colors at both ends of the court, honoring their inaugural season.

In 1993, the NBA introduced the 28th team to join the league and thus the Toronto Raptors were born. The concept behind the Toronto Raptors was inspired by the then-popular Jurassic Park movie which featured a velociraptor. It was during the 1995-1996 season where the Raptors made their debut. Two Canadian teams made their appearance that season:  the Raptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies. It was the first time since the 1946-1947 season, when the Toronto Huskies played, that a Canadian team took to the court. Unfortunately, it was short lived as the Vancouver Grizzlies relocated to Memphis in 2001, leaving the Toronto Raptors as the lone NBA franchise in Canada.

Not only was the court paying tribute, but the players entered the game wearing the iconic white pinstripe jersey which was worn during their inaugural season. Since it’s purple and red days, the franchise has since evolved to various logos and color schemes in their 25 years in the league.

Given what the Raptors accomplished last season, there are many things that should be celebrated, from the raising of the championship banner to the continued growth of the players on the team. The future looks bright for this franchise as they enter another milestone.

Photo by Zharita Dimaculangan, EBC Southern Ontario Bureau, Eagle News Service.

 

Photo by Zharita Dimaculangan, EBC Southern Ontario Bureau, Eagle News Service.

(Eagle News Service)