Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images
Inspired by the Phoenix Suns, the Toronto Raptors had a surprise for their Game 1 starting five.
In Game 1 of their first-round series in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, the Toronto Raptors had a surprise for their starting lineup on Monday afternoon.
Taking a page out of the Phoenix Suns’ book, the Raptors aired pre-recorded intro videos made by family members of the team’s starting five.
Based on the looks on the faces of Toronto’s starters, it was quite a welcome surprise to see their loved ones introducing them prior to their Game 1 tip-off against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Raptors did a great job following the Suns’ lead on this one
For all eight of the Suns’ seeding games, the team’s starting five was introduced with videos made by family members and friends back home. With the playoffs starting and the date for guests to enter the Orlando bubble rapidly approaching, NBA players are probably missing their families a little bit extra right now.
The team did a tremendous job giving their starters a little extra pep in their step with this pregame surprise. Marc Gasol was introduced by his two daughters. Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby were introduced by their brothers, Fred VanVleet got the call from his partner and two children, and Kyle Lowry was introduced by his two sons, Karter and Kameron, who traded off lines and stepped toward the camera in an adorable, choreographed routine.
The smile on Lowry’s face was priceless, and it was a heartwarming moment before the action got serious in Toronto’s 134-110 victory over the Nets.