The Toronto Raptors have decided to take a rather unusual approach in the pre-game national anthem for Game 5 on Monday night. Instead of having a renowned artist perform a rendition of the anthem, the Raptors have decided that “O Canada” will be collectively sung by the adoring home crowd.
Tonight's Canadian anthem will be sung by the fans. Raptors just leaving it up to the crowd. Really cool.
Monica doing the U.S. anthem.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) June 10, 2019
This is not something you see everyday on the basketball court, but should definitely be a memorable moment heading into a crucial Game 5 contest against the defending champs, the Golden State Warriors. This rendition will surely warrant more than a few goosebumps not only inside Scotiabank Arena, but even for folks who will be watching the game on television sets.
Memorably, some Raptors fans proudly sang their country's national anthem in Oracle Arena following their Game 4 victory in Golden State's home floor. It was indeed a sight to see, and this is likely what gave the Raptors the idea to leave the singing to the home crowd for Game 5.
https://twitter.com/SI_MarkBechtel/status/1137205536204529664
This championship series between the Raptors and the Warriors has now extended beyond a battle between two basketball teams. For Toronto supporters, it has become almost like a matchup between two nations, with the Raptors on track to bagging Canada's first ever NBA title.
Now up 3-1 in the series, what was once a off chance has now become a reality that is within arm's reach. The Raptors need just one more win to secure the coveted championship, and with the support of the whole nation behind them, Monday night might just be one of the most historic sporting evenings in the Canada's history.
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