TORONTO, April 1 (Xinhua) — The Detroit Pistons defeated the Toronto Raptors 109-98 on Monday night in guard Jose Calderon’s first return to Toronto since being traded away two months ago.
Calderon recorded 19 points, 9 assists and played in a game-high 43 minutes in the victory.
Having played his entire career with Toronto, Calderon knew tonight would be a special game.
“I knew today was going to be more than winning and losing. It was about the rest. It was nothing about the game, about how I play. I knew whatever happened, happened,” said Calderon following the game.
“It’s hard to explain, but it felt great. I think it’s going to be one of the better moments in my career for sure.”
The eight-year veteran, Calderon had been traded on January 30 in a three-team trade that sent him to Detroit, Rudy Gay and Hamed Haddadi to Toronto, and forwards Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye to Memphis.
In his eight seasons with the Raptors, he is the franchise leader in assists with 3,770 and free throw percentage (.877). He ranks second in games played (525), fourth in minutes (14,909) and fifth in total points (5,235).
Unlike other former Raptor players such as Vince Carter and Chris Bosh, Calderon received a standing ovation from the 17,115 fans during the pre-game introductions.
“Toronto fans (are) very, very classy,” said Pistons head coach Lawrence Frank during the post-game press conference.
“(I) give the Toronto fans a lot of credit. It’s great to show the appreciation, because Jose is a first class guy. I was happy for him because I know how much he loved it here.”
During the first timeout, a tribute video of Jose’s most memorable moments as a Raptor was shown on the big screen of the Air Canada Center and resulted in another round of standing ovation from the crowd.
“It was emotional. I think no tear was out, but very close,” said Calderon.
The comfort provided by the Toronto crowd even resulted in Calderon mistakenly walking towards the Toronto tunnel during halftime, but was quickly stopped.
“Tonight, I knew I had that weird feeling from this morning, coming to this place (the Air Canada Centre),” said Calderon.
“It was better than expected. It was amazing.”
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2013-04/02/c_132279298.htm
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