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Canadian PM Harper attends first ever Raptors game

Xinhua, March 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in attendance on Wednesday evening to watch the Toronto Raptors defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-100 in NBA action.

This was Harper's first appearance at a Raptors' home game while in role of Prime Minister, a position he has been in since February 2006.

Harper chose the perfect game to attend, as Raptors hosted "Canada Basketball Night", a night to celebrate the recent growth of basketball in Canada.

Presently, Canada has 12 NBA players, the most in the world outside of the United States.

The growth has been noticeable around the world as Canadians Anthony Bennett and Andrew Wiggins were selected first-overall in the two most recent entry drafts.

Wiggins and Bennett, who both play for the opposing Minnesota Timberwolves, were in attendance and met with Harper prior to the game.

"He said that he's proud of us (Bennett and Wiggins) and to keep doing what we're doing," said Wiggins following the game.

According to Jim LaBumbard, Raptors Director of Media Relations, Harper's appearance was likely the first time the Canadian Prime Minister has attended a Raptors home game while in office.

LaBumbard does not recall seeing a Prime Minister attending a Raptors game in person during the team's 20-year history. Endi