Sask. Raptors fans celebrate first-ever NBA title

Thousands of Saskatchewan basketball fans celebrated the Toronto Raptors’ first NBA championship on Thursday night, joining the country in cheering on Canada’s only team to a series-clinching 114-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the Finals.

As the seconds ticked down and the referees checked every replay, thousands of Raptors fans stood with bated breath throughout Saskatchewan.

Over 10,000 people were inside Mosaic Stadium in Regina. Several hundred more packed into Saskatoon’s Civic Square. They ranged from die-hard, Day 1 fans who had watched their favourite team from afar for 24 years to those who wanted to be part of something big.

When the clock reached zero, the province erupted along with the rest of Canada.

RAPS WIN!!! Reaction in Saskatoon! #WeTheNorth #WeTheChamps #yxe pic.twitter.com/gEDiXjfG88

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) June 14, 2019

“It’s surreal, absolutely ludicrous,” said Ryan Davis, who watched the game at the outdoor screen in Saskatoon dubbed “JurasSASK Park.”

Davis jumped up and down at the final buzzer, hugging anyone who came close as he waved a plush raptor in the air.

He’s been a fan since Day 1, and sported vintage purple and red Raptors gear at every Finals viewing game.

“I learned to read from basketball cards, it’s been a lifetime of fanship,” he said.

He was shocked at how strong the showing was on the prairies to watch the Raptors in the NBA Finals.

“It’s really special to really get together as a community in Saskatoon and celebrate the championship,” Davis said.

In Regina, officials at Mosaic Stadium expanded services after a higher-than-expected turnout to watch the Raptors play Game 5 on the MaxTron.

On Thursday night, thousands more fans spread throughout the stadium, some sticking around after watching the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ season-opening loss to the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

When the final buzzer to the Raptors’ game sounded, the stadium rang out with cheers from the crowd as fans took in the historic moment.

The final seconds at mosaic stadium. History in Canada 🇨🇦 #yqr #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/xWtBX54FRc

— Britton Gray (@BrittonGray) June 14, 2019

“It’s crazy, it’s like the Riders won the Grey Cup — but this one’s for Canada,” Arjun Maur said.

Other fans brought their families to the stadium, some with a mind to sparking a passion in a new generation of basketball players.

Dell Latorre brought his sister and her child to the game. He said the sport is now a family interest.

“My nephew doesn’t know how to play sports, but now he’s starting to love basketball after watching the NBA Finals with this crowd,” he said. “It’s a great experience for everyone.”

—With files from 980 CJME’s Britton Gray