By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Generously altering the approach to postgame press conferences, Darko Rajakovic took a stand on Tuesday. The Serbian head coach of the Toronto Raptors was far from quiet about the referees after the loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
“What happened tonight is completely B.S.,” he shouted, “Shame for the league to allow this. Twenty-three free throws for them, and we get two free throws in the fourth quarter? Like, how to play the game? I understand respect for All-Stars and all that, but we have star players on our team as well.”
Rajakovic, 44, repeatedly slapped the table demanding explanations for the criteria on calls between the All-Star players of the Lakers and Scottie Barnes. “They had to win tonight? If that is the case, just let us know, so we do not show up for the game,” he added, “Just give them a win.”
Darko Rajakovic, head coach of the Raptors, exploded in the press conference 😳
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) January 10, 2024
Bringing in his experience as a backup point guard for Rajakovic, German Dennis Schroder registered ten points in the losing effort. “Whatever it takes for this organization to win, I will do it,” he mentioned confirming trust in the Serbian tactician after the win versus the Golden State Warriors on the latest edition of NBA Sundays.
Fellow European in Toronto, Austrian Jakob Poeltl picked up a left ankle sprain in Chase Center and was sidelined indefinitely.
Wrapping up a six-game road trip, the Raptors face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday and the Utah Jazz on Friday.
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