Lori Ewing
Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse questions a foul call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday, April 26, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. Nurse says it was the COVID-19 outbreak in March that spiked his team s chances for a post-season run.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Chris O Meara May 17, 2021 - 11:24 AM
It wasn t the last-minute move to Florida, the mad scramble to find housing, or playing so-called home games 2,000 kilometres from Toronto.
The NBA pulled off a herculean task in playing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the coronavirus, says Nick Nurse, was what cost the Raptors a season that threw up numerous hurdles, and wasn t a fair indication of his team.
Toronto Raptor Kyle Lowry receives honorary doctorate from Nova Scotia university
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) talks to Houston Rockets guard John Wall (1) after an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. Lowry has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Nova Scotiaâs Acadia University. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Chris O Meara May 10, 2021 - 9:30 AM
WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Toronto Raptor Kyle Lowry congratulated students for navigating their studies through the COVID-19 pandemic as he received an honorary doctorate from Nova Scotiaâs Acadia University on Sunday.
Lowry, a point guard with the Raptors and an Olympic gold medallist, received the honorary doctorate of humanities during the university s virtual spring convocation. Although Lowry is from Philadelphia, Pa., he has referred to Canada as his adoptive country.
VanVleet, Bembry get one-game suspensions, Anunoby fined after altercation
Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) throws Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) to the floor after a foul during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. Looking on is guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Chris O Meara April 08, 2021 - 9:30 AM
TAMPA, Fla. - The Toronto Raptors have been dealt another blow.
Guard Fred VanVleet and guard/forward DeAndre Bembry have been suspended one game, while forward OG Anunoby was fined US$30,000 for a recent on-court altercation.
The loss of VanVleet and Bembry is more bad news for the reeling Raptors (20-31), who ve lost seven of their last 10 games amid COVID-19 player absences.
Lori Ewing
Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse screams at an official during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. Nurse says he has to do a better job of keeping his mask on during games. During the NBA team s first 10 games, Nurse often has been seen on television with his mask pulled down under his nose and mouth. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Chris O Meara January 13, 2021 - 12:11 PM
The image of Nick Nurse tugging his mask down to his chin to yell directions at a player, or to argue a call, has drawn the ire of COVID-19 conscientious Toronto Raptors fans.
Dan Ralph
Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III is tackled by Ohio State cornerback Sevyn Banks during the second half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Chris O Meara January 12, 2021 - 9:07 AM
Canadian John Metchie III had to overcome more than just the Ohio State Buckeyes defence on Monday night.
Metchie III had eight catches for 81 yards in top-ranked Alabama s 52-24 win over Ohio State in the NCAA football championship game. Tide head coach Nick Saban said Tuesday that Metchie III, a sophomore receiver who grew up in Brampton, Ont., played through an ankle injury the entire second half of the season.