Chris Boucher was undoubtedly the crowd favorite during the Toronto Raptors preseason game on Sunday at the Bell Centre. But in the shadow of the Quebecer, Washington Wizards rookie Kyshawn George also received a dose of love from fans.
The two players, who have roots in Montreal, were introduced to the crowd moments before the initial puck drop, taking the microphone to say a few words to the 21,900 spectators – a packed house. Fans saved their loudest cheers for Boucher.
Boucher, who was not retained in the Raptors’ starting lineup, collected 13 points and recovered six balls under the baskets. George, whose father Deon was born in Montreal, had eight points and three rebounds for the Wizards.
Both players entered at the same time with 6 minutes 11 seconds left in the first quarter. Boucher played 18 minutes and George played 21 minutes in a 125-98 Raptors victory.
“The support [des spectateurs] was excellent,” said Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, who said he was impressed by the Bell Center. We’ve been here in Montreal for a few days and it’s been good. It’s been a great training camp so far, and being [à Montréal] is part of the equation. »
It was the first preseason game for both teams, and unsurprisingly, both coaches made numerous changes mid-game, seeking to evaluate their players.
Wizards head coach Brian Keefe had good words for George, drafted in the first round with the 24th pick earlier this year.
“As the match went on, he was better,” Keefe analyzed. I’m sure he was excited to play in his city, sort of. His ability to make throws and see the play, that’s what I saw from him during the game. »
“We are delighted that he is part of our organization,” he said before the game. It’s his first year, he has family here, so it’s a big day for him. He likes to play, he works very hard, you have to chase him off the field sometimes in training. We love what he brings, his size and his skills, we are excited to have him. »
In the Raptors clan, no player played more than 21 minutes. While he knows Boucher, a 31-year-old veteran who will play a seventh season with the club, well, Rajakovic said he treats him like any other player on the team.
The two men worked together this summer in preparation for the upcoming season.
“I’m honest with him, I tell him when he makes mistakes, when he does a good job. We have a very good relationship. He let me coach him, which I appreciate, and it’s been a really fun summer with him. I think we’re going to see a lot of improvement from him this year. »
The main player appreciated the victory and the atmosphere, but managed to stay focused on basketball since it was not his first experience in Montreal.
“The first time I played here, I was a little young, I didn’t know if I was going to play, so it took me a little time to adjust,” said Boucher. This time, I knew how it was going to go. I had a lot of friends, former coaches, my family.
“As soon as I arrived in Montreal, I felt [l’atmosphère]. It’s special, it’s really special. »
A good start
It was only a preseason game, but the Raptors, buoyed by the energy of the crowd, started the game strong. They led 13-4 after a few minutes of play, 34-16 after the first quarter, and 49-22 about halfway through the second.
RJ Barrett was one of the catalysts for this great start. The young Raptors veteran totaled 17 points in just 14 minutes of play, but left the game shortly before the end of the first half with a right shoulder injury.
The Wizards cut the lead to 56-38 at halftime, but the Raptors managed to maintain the lead until the final whistle.
The Wizards, who highlighted their visit to Montreal by replacing their name with “Wizards” on their jerseys for the warm-up period, will play their next game Wednesday against the Knicks in New York, before welcoming the Raptors to Washington on Friday.
Several personalities were present at the Bell Center for this match. Former Raptors player Vince Carter, as well as Victoire de Montréal players Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey were notably present. They were all warmly welcomed by the spectators.
