It’s a historic experience for Scott McCullough.
The Toronto Raptors head athletic trainer and Renfrew Collegiate Institute grad is off to the NBA Eastern Conference finals; a first for him and a first for the Raptors.
The Raptors defeated the Miami Heat in game seven to advance 116-89 on May 15.
“It feels great,” said McCullough on the plane just before the team travelled to Cleveland to play the Cavaliers on May 16.
“I have been in the NBA for 21 years and this is the first time I have been to an Eastern final. It’s very exciting.”
McCullough called the atmosphere inside the Air Canada Centre for game seven electric.
“We have the best fans in the NBA,” said McCullough.
“They were all cheering, wearing their playoff shirts and it pushes our team to be successful with a great fan base behind them.”
Injuries
Injuries have played a big part in the series, including when DeMarre Carroll hurt his wrist in game five. Carroll went on to score 14 points in the crucial game seven victory.
McCullough admits injuries are just part of the game.
“Our role is to try and keep guys as healthy as possible,” said McCullough.
“No one is 100 per cent healthy. We will work day and night to try and put our athletes in the best possible position to succeed.”
He says he gets used to the injuries and tries to stay calm.
“I’ve been through it all,” said McCullough.
“When you go out there you see what the issue is, if they can walk off or need medical staff.
“The number one thing is their health and welfare.”
He calls the Cavs a great team.
“We need to play our game and hopefully it comes out positive,” said McCullough.
“For us to be successful we have to continue to do what we have done all year; play as a team both offensively and defensively and let the chips fall. At the end of the day win or lose it has been a very successful year.”
Game one and two were set for May 17 and 19 in Cleveland, the Raptors head back to Toronto for games three and four on May 21 and 23.