On Friday October 22, 2010 at 7:00pm, the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec became host to one of the most anticipated events of the year. The event had been announcement sometime in August, and for a fan such as myself, I had hoped it was not a rumor, or even a worse. a game that would not be canceled due to low ticket sales. I could not have been more wrong.
Not only was the game to take place, tickets to the event were completely sold out several days before tip-off. Getting there relatively early and having some time to walk around and take in the atmosphere, I was blown away by the support for the Raptors, the Knicks and the NBA as a whole. Fans of all 3 were sporting jerseys, hats and sports jackets proudly while making their way through the arena. It was also great to see families arriving with children of all ages, children that perhaps were about to watch their first NBA game. After a quick stop at the gift shop for a DeMar Derozan jersey, I was ready for the game.
The fact that this was a pre-season game had no effect on the excitement in the crowd. For the first half of the game, Montreal basketball fans were cheering for both team's scoring plays, as there were quite a few New York Knicks fans spread out in the crowd. Amare Stoudamire played very well and it was clear that the crowd was thrilled to see him. But it was clear that most were there to support Canada's only NBA franchise. Every Toronto Raptors scoring play was rewarded with cheers, and slam dunks, rarely seen at the Bell Center, received an ovation rivaling those usually reserved for the Montreal Canadians hockey team. Some highlights of those reactions included an understanding and respect for rebounding. As Reggie Evans secured what seemed like 3 offensive rebounds during 1 possession, the crowed erupted to let him know his hard work was not going unnoticed. Much like the Raptors game in Vancouver, a strong crowd wave broke out, which if nothing else, was a sign of the great time the fans were having.
The game ended with the Raptors at risk of losing a 17 point lead, only to push back in the final minutes of the 4th quarter with help from the bench players throwing down slam dunks. The Raptors would win 108-103 as the 22,114 basketball fans gave the Raptors a much deserved standing ovation. It should be mentioned that the Raptors Dance Pak were amazing, keeping the crowd involved with smiles that could be seen from afar and great choreography. "The Raptor" mascot was someone I will not soon forget. With great energy, very creative and hilarious shenanigans, even I who tried to keep a straight face, wound up laughing along with everyone else.
This was nothing less than a complete success. With a sold out arena and great crowd participation, arguments for an NBA franchise coming to Montreal will definitely spring up all over the internet and amongst fans of the sport. I can only hope the NBA takes notice and continues to bring games to the city in the form of pre-season or regular season games. Whether any of that will happen or not, we do know one thing for sure, there are 22,114 fans, not including those that couldn't get tickets, who are ready and willing to support not only the NBA, but basketball as a whole in Quebec.
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