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The Golden State Warriors may have lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, but head coach Steve Kerr believes that the heckling fans were a non-factor in their defeat.
During their media day before the Finals, Warriors guard Klay Thompson said he received the “nicest heckle” ever from Raptors fans. Kerr doubled down on this thought, saying that the home supporters are harassing them, albeit n a ‘very polite manner.'
Steve Kerr: "The Canadian fans are so nice that even when they're harassing us they do it in a very polite manner."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 31, 2019
Moreover, Kerr admitted that he was impressed with the atmosphere in the Scotiabank arena, as fans showed their full support on the Raptors who made the Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Kerr on the atmosphere in the building last night: "The national anthem was one of the coolest things I've ever been a part of. Hearing the crowd sing along to O Canada was beautiful."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 31, 2019
Raptors fans came out to the streets roughly 14 hours before the series opener to rally behind the team. They also made it clear that they wanted to intimidate the Warriors. However, their behavior wasn't typical. Sure, they loudly cheered for the home team, but they rarely booed the visitors either. It was classy, to say the least.
With thousands of Canadians backing them up, the Raptors secured the 118-109 win and now lead the series 1-0. They have an opportunity to go up 2-0 on Sunday before traveling to Oakland for Games 3 and 4.
The Raptors have had an impressive run in the playoffs so far, but they want to cap it off with a championship. They're already off to a good start, although things will be more difficult as they get closer and closer to the title.
The Warriors are expected to bounce back, so if the Raptors already brought their A-game in Game 1, they will need to be at their best once again in Game 2.
