Even if he did not live just down the street, lifelong Toronto Raptors fan Armando Vayissle would have braved a series of road closures that turned parts of the downtown core into gridlock to cheer on the team.
“Oh yeah, 100 percent,” Vayissle told the Toronto Sun on Sunday outside Scotiabank Arena in “Jurassic Park” — a dedicated spot fans can cheer on the team during the playoffs. “It’s the Raptors. I was here Thursday night … The atmosphere, the people and the vibes are better than the couch at home.”
He was joined by his friend, Ayush Pandya, who drove in from Mississauga. With Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway closed for the weekend, Pandya left early to make his way into the city via Lake Shore Boulevard to make it in time for tipoff.
Pandya said with the Toronto Maple Leafs failing to make the NHL playoffs and the Blue Jays scuffling, it falls to the Raptors to give local sports fans something to cheer for.
“They’ve got to hold it up for the city. They’re the last hope right now,” Pandya said. “Hopefully, the Blue Jays pick it up, but right now … it’s Raptors season.”
It is Toronto’s first time in the playoffs in four years, following a first-round loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2022. “Jurassic Park” has been one of the most electrifying spots to watch the Raptors in the post-season, including the team’s captivating 2019 championship campaign.
Fans Optimistic After Game 3 Win
“I think the team’s going to be OK,” Vayissle said, buoyed by Toronto’s decisive Game 3 win at home. “The first two games were a little bit rough. But I think their shooting has gotten better and their chemistry is good. I really think they’re going to be good for the rest of this round.”
“The Raptors are giving us a reason to watch the playoffs and get involved,” said Harman Brar, who made the 15-minute walk down to the venue with his partner Anushka Karmalka. “We need some Toronto representation,” Karmalkar added.
Dressed in a vintage Vince Carter jersey, Brar said he has been supporting the club for 20 years. Sunday was his second time cheering on the Raptors at “Jurassic Park” this season.
Gary Kubas, who traveled in from Etobicoke, took the TTC. “Just like the mayor said we should, but even that took an hour,” he said with a laugh. “This is how they should do it,” he continued as he stood amongst hundreds of fellow Raptors fans who were squeezed into what is usually known as Maple Leaf Square. “This is more fun than being inside. It’s an awesome turnout. The fan base is great. You don’t see this anywhere else. Even in the States, they talk about Jurassic Park.”
“This is great,” his friend Billy Maidment added. “We can’t afford the tickets, but this isn’t bad. I wish it was bigger.”
Barnes, Ingram Lead Raptors to Victory
Fans unanimously pointed to Raptors All-Star Brandon Ingram as the player who needed a big night if Toronto hopes to win its best-of-seven series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. “He has to step it up big time and not shoot 4-for-14,” Vayissle said. “Ingram has to have a big game,” Brar added.
Ingram heard those rallying cries all the way inside as he notched 23 points to help power Toronto past the Cavs 93-89. His return to form included a buzzer-beating three-pointer that gave Toronto a 38-36 edge at the half.
“We’ve got to expect a fight,” Ingram said as the series heads back to Cleveland tied.
After narrowly outscoring the Cavs in the fourth quarter, Scottie Barnes, who also notched 23 points, said that the Raptors “want it so bad.” “We’re hungry. We’re fighting. We’re communicating … We’re just taking it one possession at a time,” he said postgame.
Barnes also praised rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. “His physicality, his force, his effort that he brings to every single game is unbelievable,” Barnes said. “He’s amazing for us. Words can’t explain what he’s doing for this team right now.”
The best-of-seven series heads back to Cleveland for Game 5 on Wednesday. Fans hoping to watch the game inside “Jurassic Park” can enter for tickets via the Raptors mobile app.
