The scene at Scotiabank Arena Arena during Game 5 of the NBA Finals Monday evening was not indicative of what Canada has stood for in the past.
With an opportunity to clinch their first ever NBA title, Toronto Raptors fans brought the passion against the Golden State Warriors.
It quickly turned ugly. Warriors star Kevin Durant went down early in the second quarter with what has since been diagnosed as a ruptured Achilles. It’s one of the most devastating injuries an NBA player can suffer.
Instead of paying their respects to KD, Raptors fans were heard cheering on the injury. It came pretty much to the chagrin of Raptors players in the court.
Attempting to either regain the narrative or in a show of real support for Durant, Raptors fans at “Jurassic Park” outside Scotiabank Arena were seen signing a get well card for Mr. Durant.
It does appear that a majority of Raptors fans are contrite. Some got caught up in the moment. And in reality, what we saw Monday night did not represent a large majority of fans in Canada.
Even then, it was an absolutely brutal look. At the very least, fans are now paying their respects to Durant.
Game 6 between the Raptors and Warriors tips off Thursday evening in Oakland. If Golden State were to come out on top in its final game ever at Oracle Arena, a decisive Game 7 will be Sunday evening in Toronto.