Toronto Raptors hysteria continues to sweep our neighbors to the north. Earlier in the playoffs, tens of restaurants and businesses throughout the city of Toronto offered Kawhi Leonard free service in hopes of coaxing the prospective free agent to re-sign with the Raptors. Now, during the NBA Finals, there are apparently over 30 “Jurassic Parks” throughout Canada, outdoor spaces where fans come together to watch games like the notoriously raucous fans outside Scotiabank Arena.

On Thursday, Canadians' growing affinity for their only NBA team transcended the sports world, making its way to the links. Toward the end of his round at the RBC Canadian Open, professional golfer Mackenzie Hughes pulled a Kawhi Leonard jersey out of his bag, donning it for No. 13 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, an infamous hole, before reverting back to the more formal required attire, delighting the crowd in the process.

“I try to have some fun with that hole. Life’s short so, whatever, I’m just going to have some fun,” Hughes said, per John Chidley-Hill of The Canadian Press. “The crowd enjoys that stuff so it’s fun for me to do.

“I love all these Toronto sports teams whether it’s Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays. That was just a fun way to show my Toronto pride and Canada pride.”

Article Continues Below
More Toronto Raptors News
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shields the ball from Toronto Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo (2) in the second half at Footprint Center.
Raptors rumors: Kevin Durant trade a backup option to Giannis AntetokounmpoTroy Finnegan ·
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) reacts after a play against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Alamodome. Carter Bryant
3 players Toronto Raptors must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftZachary Howell ·
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković looks on from the bench during a NBA game against the Boston Celtics at Scotiabank Arena.
Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘canvassing the league’ for next big offseason splash, says InsiderBenedetto Vitale ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Nets exploring Cam Johnson trade with Raptors, RocketsErik Slater ·
Kings' Domantas Sabonis with question marks next to DeMar DeRozan and Raptors' Masai Ujiri
Sources: What Domantas Sabonis’ Kings future looks like amid Raptors trade rumorsBrett Siegel ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the second half at Fiserv Forum.
Raptors rumors: Giannis, Toronto hold ‘mutual trade interest,’ with a ‘wild card’Zachary Weinberger ·

Hughes, of Dundas, ON, just southwest of Toronto, shot a four-under 66 on Thursday. He's currently tied for 15th-place in the tournament.

The Raptors took a 2-1 lead over the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors with a win at Oracle Arena on Thursday night. Leonard continued his stellar postseason play, scoring 30 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing six assists on 9-of-17 shooting.