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Toronto Raptors warned by NBA over Drake behaviour

Watch Game 1 of the NBA Finals as Toronto Raptors host Golden State Warriors, live on Sky Sports on Friday at 2am

Drake
Image: Drake has attracted attention for his court-side behaviour

The NBA talked to the Toronto Raptors during the Eastern Conference finals about the behaviour of Drake along the sideline, a league spokesman told ESPN.

Live NBA: Golden State @ Toronto

NBA Finals: Warriors vs Raptors

  • Game 1: Warriors @ Raptors - Friday, May 31, 2am
  • Game 2: Warriors @ Raptors - Monday June 3, 1am
  • Game 3: Raptors @ Warriors - Thursday June 6, 2am
  • Game 4: Raptors @ Warriors - Saturday June 8, 2am
  • Game 5 (if needed): Warriors @ Raptors - Tuesday June 11, 2am
  • Game 6 (if needed): Raptors @ Warriors - Friday June 14, 2am
  • Game 7 (if needed): Warriors @ Raptors - Monday June 17, 1am
  • All games live on Sky Sports Arena

Drake holds a role as global ambassador for the Raptors, and the presence of the Canadian superstar rapper has given added attention to the franchise.

He had a confrontation with then-Cleveland center Kendrick Perkins during last season's playoff series against the Cavaliers, and he had a viral video moment in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals when he gave coach Nick Nurse a shoulder rub.

With the Raptors making their first appearance in the NBA Finals, opening Thursday night at home against the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors, Drake - and what he does from his court-side seat - will surely be a big topic of conversation.

"He's really nice to me every time I see him. He's a really nice guy," Nurse said on ESPN's Pardon The Interruption.

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American rapper Drake heckles Giannis Antetokounmpo during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals

"The whole back-rub thing, I didn't know it was happening until the next day, somebody sent me a picture. I didn't even feel his hands on me. You probably heard my response. I said either I was really focused or he has really soft hands."

According to ESPN, NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued a memo earlier this year reminding the league's franchises to state and enforce their fan conduct policies.

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