It only seemed appropriate as Toronto hosted the first game in BAA history on November 1, 1946, as James Naismith the inventor of the game was a Canadian. The Toronto Huskies would lose that first game to the New York Knickerbockers 68-66.

The Knicks would go on to be a cornerstone of the league that would soon become the NBA, but the Huskies would fold after just one season with a 15-45 record. The NBA would not return to Canada for nearly 50 years.

When it did return it brought two expansion teams the one in Toronto would be called the Raptors trying to capitalize on the dino-mania after the release of "Jurassic Park". The Raptors played their first game on November 3rd beating the New Jersey Nets 94-78 at SkyDome.

There would not be much success that first year as the Raptors finished last in the Central Division, with a record of 21-61, as they split two games against Canada's other expansion team the Vancouver Grizzlies. However, the highlight of the season had to be their stunning win on March 24th when the beat the Chicago Bulls, who were in the middle of a record shattering 72-10 season, 109-108 at SkyDome.

However, win or lose one player was always exciting as Damon Stoudamire won the Rookie of the Year with 19. 0 pp and 9.

3 apg.