Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković is likely facing a fine for his post-game comments criticizing the officiating in their loss to the Lakers. Despite Toronto’s less-than-impressive performance since Rajaković took over from Nick Nurse earlier in the season, they put up a strong fight against the Lakers, who were 5-point favorites at home. The game ended with a narrow 132-131 victory for the Lakers, but the glaring difference in free-throw opportunities couldn’t be ignored.
The Lakers had 36 attempts from the charity stripe, while the Raptors were granted only 13, with a mere two coming in the fourth quarter. Rajaković, in his post-game address to the media, strongly expressed his belief that the foul calls were not evenly distributed and took the opportunity to critique the referees.
The NBA won’t hold their referees accountable, so Darko Rajakovic, head coach of the Raptors took matters into his own hands. Good for him, more coaches should do the same. Must watch, even if not an NBA fan. pic.twitter.com/uAp2nbFLVM
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) January 10, 2024
Here’s some of what he had to say:
“What happened tonight, this is completely B.S. This is shameful for the referees and the league to allow this. 23 free throws for them and we get two free throws in the fourth quarter…
How is it possible Scottie Barnes—who is an All-Star caliber player in this league—he goes to the rim every single time with force…he gets two free throws for the whole game. How is that possible? How are you going to explain that to me?
They had to win tonight? If that’s the case, just let us know so we don’t show up for the game. Just give them a win. That was not fair tonight.”
Damn, Darko. Tell us how you really feel.
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