Raptors defeat Nets on “Drake Night”

TORONTO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) — The Toronto Raptors defeated the Brooklyn Nets 96-80 in NBA action Saturday evening on “Drake Night,” a game themed around Grammy award winning rapper and Raptors global ambassador, Drake.

“I’m honored. I feel great. Tonight’s not really about me, despite the title of the night,” said Drake prior to the game. “It’s a fun night that I was able to curate and facilitate.”

For the 19,800 fans that attended the Air Canada Centre, the night began with everyone receiving a black and gold-colored Toronto Raptors T-shirt designed by Drake.

Throughout the night, Drake also involved himself with the on-court activities to keep the sold out crowd engaged.

He began the night by announcing personalized introductions of the Toronto players. During a timeout, he was also seen giving away signed memorabilia to members of the audience.

For the half time show, Drake acted as the DJ and used the opportunity to personally thank the fans in attendance.

Meanwhile, as the game was taking place, he sat in his usual Jack Nicholson-esque courtside seat rooting on the Raptors.

“Tonight is going to be a great trial to hopefully get to where we need to be energy-wise,” said Drake before the game. “I want this to be an intimidating building.”

Drake’s vision was successful, as fans were on their feet during the third quarter that saw Toronto overcome a 10-point deficit and go on a 26-3 run that continued into the fourth quarter.

Raptors head coach Dwane Casey was impressed with the atmosphere “Drake Night” produced.

“It was a great night, great fans. The building was hot. Another testament to how great the fans are hanging with us through tough times,” said Casey following the game.

Since being named the global ambassador of the Raptors in September, the 27-year-old Drake has been in contact on a weekly basis with General Manager Masai Ujiri and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment’s (the corporation that owns the Raptors) CEO Tim Leiweke.

In the three months since taking on the role, Drake has cherished the opportunity and has found a potential career outside of the music industry.

“They’re (Ujiri and Leiweke) two of the smartest guys I’ve ever met. Learning more about a field that I didn’t know I’d be in necessarily, but I’m honored that they considered me,” said Drake. “If I do get into sports, I’m pretty much where I want to be. I wouldn’t really want to leave. Just being part of this company, I’d love to stay here. If my role can grow at any point in the future, I’d love that.”

While many view Drake’s situation to be similar to that of rapper Jay-Z’s and the Brooklyn Nets, Drake feels that his situation involves dealing with an already established environment.

“No offence to Jay-Z and what they did in Brooklyn, I think it’s great. I think they did what works for them. They also built a new facility in a completely new neighborhood,” said Drake. “We have an established great building, an established great team. I think we’re just trying to give people something exciting to look at and give them an atmosphere that’s just a little bit more invigorating.”

The Toronto native’s ultimate goal is to establish such an atmosphere and brand for the Toronto franchise before the city is the focus of the entire league in 2016, when it hosts the All-Star game.

“Tonight’s just sort of a glimpse into how exciting this is going to get,” said Drake.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2014-01/12/c_133038254.htm