Stars

Bosh booed in Toronto return as Heat rout Raptors

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-02-17 13:18

Miami Heat Chris Bosh blows a kiss to the crowd after his team defeated his former team the Toronto Raptors in their NBA basketball game in Toronto, Feb 16, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

TORONTO- Toronto Raptors fans produced an endless chorus of boos as former player Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat earned a 103-95 victory on Wednesday in his first game back in Toronto as a member of the Heat.

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Bosh received an angry reception from a packed Air Canada Centre the moment he stepped on the court, when he was introduced, and each time he touched the ball during the game.

The forward, however, got the last laugh, scoring 25 points and grabbing six rebounds as the Heat escaped with a win and kept their grip on top spot in the NBA's Southeast Division.

While the Heat's roster boasts All-Stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, the game was the most anticipated of the season for Toronto fans as it was their first look at Bosh since the former face of the franchise left via free agency last year.

Fans brought many signs including ones that read "Miami Cheat", "Show Toronto Who's Bosh", "King's Jester" and "Two and a Half Men" with a picture of James, Wade and Bosh.

Bosh, drafted fourth overall by the Raptors in 2003, played seven seasons in Toronto and is the franchise's all-time leader in points, total rebounds, free throws, blocks, minutes and games started.

The Raptors (15-41) are now one loss away from matching last season's total with 26 games remaining, while the Heat (41-15) are looming as title contenders though are locked in a battle with Boston for first place in the Eastern Conference.