Post by delap on Mar 18, 2022 12:53:08 GMT -5
Canada's Opening Night
Toronto, ON
November 2nd, 3023
Before the tip of their 1st game of the year, the Toronto Raptors raised their 3022 Championship banner to the rafters of the ScotiaBank Arena. Thousands roared inside, while tens of thousands gathered outside in Jurassic Park in celebration of the franchise's first TMBSL Title. Team Captain Joe Lapchick grabbed the mic first, letting loose his best "Raptor Roar" before thanking all of the fans, and then naming each member of the training staff and coaching staff to thank them individually, from A. Aaronson to Z. Zyzzl. Next on the mic was team Owner/GM/Head Coach, Dr. Delap Throws. He kept it short and simple, promising to keep the team together for as long as possible and to always spend to win here in the North. Finally, Playoff MVP and all-around stud, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spoke to the crowd. He recounted how low he was after Game 2 of the Finals. He had been bullied by Dwight Howard, and played 2 of the worst games of his career. "I was held to 8.5 points and 8.5 boards across those games... Man, there are quarters where I put up better numbers." He continued, "But then, I had a private meeting with our beloved Asst. Coach, Mr. Jack Dorso, and he said to me, 'Kareem, I once met a soldier who thought he could best me... instead, I mustered all my courage, then told my attache, "Shoot Me!"... and he did. And I pinned him! I pinned the army man.'"
Kareem continued, "That speech from Coach Jack made me realize I was him... and Dwight was my army man. So I changed my mindset, took him on directly... and came out and averaged over 40 points and 13 boards the rest of the way." Kareem then promised another title this season, in what may be a tall order with the considerable talent increase across the league.
The festivities weren't quite over, as a parade of former Raptors came to the court to help pass out the championship rings, led by the trio with retired jerseys, Sergei Belov, Adam Haluska, and Cedric Ceballos.
Following the ring ceremony, the banner was raised and the title defense began against the Charlotte Bobcats. The game was a bit of a snoozer, as the Bobcats showed up without a coach, drew straws to determine a starting lineup, and looked lifeless throughout. The Raptors won 106-89 and called it a night early to prepare for their game tomorrow against the Bullets.
