TORONTO RAPTORS fans set off fireworks in the streets, vandalised a bus and even jumped in a water fountain after seeing their team win their first NBA title.
Nick Nurse’s side became the first Canadian champions in league history as they beat the Golden State Warriors 114-110 to clinch a 4-2 series win.
And avid supporters partied through the night in Toronto – and indeed across the country – after their historic night.
After years of failing to show up in the Playoffs, Raptors chiefs sacked head coach Dwane Casey and traded star man DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard last summer.
The moves reaped the rewards instantly, as former San Antonio Spurs superstar Leonard led his side to an incredible victory.
Going up against arguably one of the greatest teams in NBA history in the Warriors, Leonard shone all series – earning his second Finals MVP award in the process.
After battling past the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks to reach the finals, the Raptors went into the series as underdogs.
But they surged past the Warriors, who had Kevin Durant sidelined for much of the series, while Klay Thompson limped off during Game 6 in Oakland on Thursday night.
In what now appears to be the end of an era for the Warriors – with a number of stars potentially on the move – it could be just the beginning for Toronto, who were cheered on throughout the series by rapper Drake and tennis star Eugenie Bouchard.
Leonard has a player option in his contract for this season, meaning he may opt to leave Canada.
After winning the NBA title and Finals MVP, it could be he’s persuaded to stay – but may opt to hunt a crown in another city.
Either way, fans knew Leonard could be little more than a “rental” after his 2018 trade from San Antonio.
But supporters didn’t care one jot on Thursday night as they took to the streets to celebrate their thrilling title victory.
At one stage, Toronto were 2-0 down in their Eastern Conference Finals series with the heavily-favoured, Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Bucks.
But they went on to win four straight to secure the series and go into the NBA Finals against Steph Curry‘s Warriors in fine fettle.
Leading 3-1 in the series earlier this week, the Raps were given a scare when the Warriors took Game 5 to make it 3-2.
Echoes of the 2016 Finals were heard, where the Warriors made history in throwing away a 3-1 lead to gift a LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers to a 4-3 win.
But huge nights from Leonard (22 points, six rebounds), Kyle Lowry (26 points, ten assists, seven rebounds) and Pascal Siakam (26 points, ten rebounds) saw them home.
Finally “The North” had something to celebrate in their 24-year history – and it’s fair to assume the party will rage on long into the summer.
