On Wednesday, the Toronto Raptors will host their first Christmas Day home game in franchise history as defending champions against the Boston Celtics.
It still feels improbable to say those words about the Raptors, once the laughingstock of the league and a franchise that seemed destined to linger in mediocrity for eternity.
A lot has changed since the beginning. The Raptors have come so far they brought back the original dino jerseys this season and can comfortably celebrate the entire history of the franchise — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
As the Raptors hit another milestone for their franchise, here’s a look back at the very first regular season game for the franchise, and what those who were around the team remember about the early days:
Entertainment first, basketball second
The history of the Toronto Raptors started in a baseball stadium.