Former U.S. President Barack Obama got quite the welcome Sunday after he dropped by Torontos Scotiabank Arena to watch the Raptors and Golden State Warriors face off in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
This isnt entirely surprising. Obama is a huge basketball fan with a tradition of playing a pick-up game on election day. He shares his NCAA March Madness brackets every year.
The former president has been in Canada for the past few days for the latest leg of his speaking tour. He even found time to have a quick pint with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
And judging by his reception at Scotiabank Arena, Obama still carries star power. He got a standing ovation when he was introduced and shown on the video screen midway through the second quarter.
Presidential welcome.#WeTheNorth | @BarackObama pic.twitter.com/2F3iHQ9oHx
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Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 3, 2019
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Obama stood and waved back, mouthing thank you.
But who was he cheering for?
During the game, Obama was seated next to NBA commissioner Adam Silver near the floor of the lower bowl. They were some of the few fans not wearing We The North jerseys. Though that doesnt necessarily mean he wasnt there for the Raptors.
Obama walked into the game with longtime friend and Raptors president Masai Ujiri.
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