During the pregame activities, a young fan wearing a Steph Curry jersey was seen courtside, eagerly awaiting his moment to participate in an on-court event. However, the fan was reportedly required to remove his Warriors jersey and replace it with a Raptors T-shirt. The awkward exchange was captured on Golden State’s broadcast, where commentators Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike expressed their disapproval.
“Pregame, something happened that just isn’t right, and the Warriors are gonna try to make things right. This kid had a Curry jersey on, right? They made him take it off because he was gonna do a thing on the court. He put his Warriors hat and jersey (aside). They put a Raptors T-shirt on him.”
Azubuike added:
“Look how sad he is. Usually, you say like, ‘Oh, you made that kid’s night.’ They’ve ruined his night.”
The broadcast’s emotional tone quickly resonated with fans online, fueling widespread criticism.
NBA Fans Slam Raptors on Social Media
Fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were quick to denounce the Raptors’ actions, with many calling it an unnecessary move that embarrassed the young fan. Comments ranged from humorous jabs to outright condemnation:
- “They stink. (I) can smell the stench from here, Raptors,” one fan quipped.
- “What a sorry-a** organization. Raptors, you guys stink for doing this to that kid,” wrote another.
- “No wonder (the) Raptors are poverty,” a particularly scathing tweet read.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Raptors’ struggles this season have done little to endear the organization to fans. Entering the game with a five-game losing streak and a dismal 8-31 record, the team’s reputation took another hit amidst this controversy.
Raptors Redeem Themselves on the Court
Despite the backlash, the Raptors managed to snap their losing streak with a gritty 104-101 victory over the Warriors. The team rallied from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter, securing only their second win in 18 games.
Scottie Barnes led the way for Toronto with an impressive stat line of 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. The balanced scoring effort included six players contributing 12 or more points, showcasing the team’s depth even during a tough stretch.
For the Warriors, Steph Curry continued to shine with a game-high 26 points, thrilling his Canadian fans despite limited support from his injury-plagued roster.
Looking Ahead: Redemption or More Drama?
The Raptors (9-31) hope to build on their hard-fought victory as they prepare to face the reigning champion Boston Celtics (28-11) at home on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Golden State (19-20) aims to bounce back and end its road trip on a high note against the Minnesota Timberwolves (21-18).
The Debate Continues
As the dust settles, the pregame controversy has left fans divided. While some argue the Raptors were protecting their brand by insisting on team attire, others see it as a tone-deaf decision that marred a young fan’s special moment.
For now, the Raptors’ on-court success may have provided temporary relief, but the court of public opinion remains unforgiving. Whether the organization addresses the incident or lets it fade into obscurity, one thing is clear: the NBA community isn’t letting this one go anytime soon.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.