The Toronto Raptors got their championship rings on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, and it looks like almost all of Canada was watching.
The Raptors' home opener was the most-watched regular season game ever in Canada with 2.6 million total viewers. It was the first ring ceremony in Raptors franchise history:
The Raptors home opener was the most-watched regular season game ever in Canada with 2.6 million total viewers and a 774K average. Up 39% from last year's opener.
Ring ceremony bump, I'm sure, but still a good number.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) October 23, 2019
Toronto defeated the Pelicans in overtime by a final score of 130-122. Pascal Siakam, fresh off signing a max contract extension, scored 34 points in 38 minutes before fouling out. Fred VanVleet also poured in 34 points despite spraining his ankle after running into a cameraman.
All in all, it was a great night for the Raptors and Canada. The team reminded everyone that it wasn't just Kawhi Leonard who played well for them last season. Siakam looks like he's going to make the All-Star team this season, while VanVleet is setting himself up to get a nice payday next summer.
The Raptors should be able to make the playoffs this season. However, they won't compete for a title now that Leonard and Danny Green are gone.
That doesn't mean, though, there's nothing to play for. The fans in Toronto are going to support the team no matter what and fill Scotiabank Arena every night.
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