Game 1 (in Toronto)
Since this was Canada’s first time ever hosting an NBA Finals game, it was a pretty big deal for basketball fans up north.
It wouldn’t be a Raptors game without Drake in the house to root for his hometown team. In fact, the rapper appeared to exchange some trash talk with Golden State’s Draymond Green (who, as we all know, is no stranger to the art of slinging shade):
Immediately after the #Warriors lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Draymond Green briefly exchanged words with rapper Drake, who was sitting courtside. It wasn’t clear what exactly was said, but it ended with Drake appearing to call Draymond “trash.” pic.twitter.com/r1rWrpy5Ic
— San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) May 31, 2019
Two-time Masters champ Bubba Watson was there to see Game 1, and tweeted about it prior to game time:
Just got my tickets for the #nbafinals Game 1!! @Drake antics will be on fire! @nba #WeTheNorth #DrakeAntics #kawhimeariver pic.twitter.com/Xez44egPRm
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) May 28, 2019
If Canadian politics is your thing (hey, it might be), you’ll be jazzed to note former PM Stephen Harper there to enjoy the game:
Great to be in Toronto for Game 1 of the #NBAFinals! Who better to cheer with than @superfan_nav, go @Raptors! #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/NbmMiPwHdz
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) May 31, 2019
Good vibes from hometown fans apparently did the trick. Toronto claimed the first win of the series with a score of 118-109.
Game 2 (in Toronto):
The second of the first two games in Toronto drew out just as many famous fans as Game 1.
Drake was there to take in Game 2, because of course he was. This time, he rocked a hoodie roasting Kevin Durant and the fact that he has yet to appear in the series. (In fact, Durant hasn’t played since injuring his calf on May 8th.)
Drake is not letting up with his troll game for Game 2. pic.twitter.com/AtdV1usSMc
— ESPN (@espn) June 3, 2019
President Barack Obama, famous for his lifelong love of the game, made the trek up to Toronto:
Obama is in the building for Game 2 of the #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/P4KigJ4vIp
— ESPN (@espn) June 3, 2019
The former prez received a standing ovation and chants of “MVP”. (❤️ )
Barack Obama gets a standing ovation at Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Toronto.
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 3, 2019
Via blogTO pic.twitter.com/Dqqf3P1rYW
Handsome baby-faced cherub/singer Shawn Mendes came out to root, root, root for his home team:
Toronto native @ShawnMendes in the building for Game 2! ✌️#NBACelebRow #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/BOydI8VwYA
— NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2019
Despite the star-studded stands, the Raptors dropped the game to the Warriors, who won with a score of 109-104.
Game 3 (in Oakland)
With the series moving to Oracle Arena in Oakland, some American royalty came out to take in Game 3:
Jay-Z and Beyoncé are courtside for Game 3 pic.twitter.com/6mmJuN8Odn
— ESPN (@espn) June 6, 2019
Even though there was likely no real shade intended, I can’t stop watching Queen Bey unleash that shoulder move on the woman leaning over her to speak with Jay-Z (Twitter informs me she is the wife of one of the team’s owners, but ♀️ ).
Bay Area legends Metallica was in the house to rock the national anthem and enjoy the game:
Please rise… #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/oF4obcg4V1
— Metallica (@Metallica) June 6, 2019
Despite playing on their home turf, Golden State dropped the game and Toronto regained the series lead with a score of 123-109.
Want to see who turns out in Oakland for Game 4? Tune in tomorrow night at 9pm.
Photo credit: PopSugar
