10 greatest moments in Raptors history

What else could be first? Toronto returned to the NBA after a 49-year break. Much to everyone’s astonishment, the Raptors collection of castoffs (and Damon Stoudamire) managed to win their first game. My wife and I were there, and still have our tickets.

The game was dreadful, with the pitiful Nets committing 29(!) turnovers. The Raptors’ high scorer was Alvin Robertson, with 30 points. He averaged 9.3 PPG that season, his last in the NBA.

The teams combined to try 19 3-balls, making 5, both of which are about a quarter’s worth for the Houston Rockets of today.

The venue was Skydome, now called Rogers Centre, which is used almost exclusively for Blue Jays baseball these days. The building was advertised as being designed for multiple purposes, but it has proven to be appropriate for none. As a place to watch professional hoops, it was a disaster. The Raptors moved to the Air Canada Centre in February of 1999 – not a minute too soon.