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Raptors Coach Darko Rajakovic Risks $50,000 Fine in Fuming Postgame Presser

Published 01/10/2024, 2:18 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to secure a narrow victory over the Toronto Raptors with a 132-131 scoreline. Showing a stiff resistance to LeBron James & Co., the Raptors fought tooth and nail. But the game generated enough controversial moments to be the topic of conversation even after the final buzzer had sounded. The crusade was led by the Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic.

With the win the Lakers managed to add one more cap to their victory tally after the In-Season tournament. the team has been suffering to be consistent with the wins since they lifted the inaugural NBA Cup. The win against the Raptors came with huge allegations though as Darko thundered with anger with bias allegations.

Darko Rajakovic thunders with anger at NBA officials

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After the match, the coach of the Raptors went to pelt a series of complaints about the way the match was officiated. In the presser surrounded by the journalists, coach. Darko Rajakovic went on to shoot a series of allegations at the NBA officials including how the Lakers got 23 free throws in the fourth quarter while his team got two. ” They see what they want to see. They don’t get to hear what we got to say. They don’t want to hear the players, ” Darko said as he sounded off on the officials.

Now the usual penalty for criticizing the officials is $ 25,000, but given the nature of Darko’s claims, the league could take action and even double his fine. He said that it was outrageous, biased, and shameful for the referees and the league the way the match was officiated. Drako complained about how his team could get only 2 free throws despite they played fair and deserved more.

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Keeping aside the controversy, the star players of the Lakers contributed hugely to the win. Anthony Davis scored 41 points while as LeBron James scored 22 points and 12 assists. For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes had 26 points while Pascal Siakam tallied 25 points. Barrett chipped in 23 points and Quickley tallied 21 points before he fouled out in the fourth quarter. While the game was a disappointment for the Raptors, their coach had a word of advice for his players.

Rajakovic charts course for his players

Darko’s words were filled with pessimism and he even went on to say, “How are we supposed to play.” And even asked the officials to give his opponents the game and that his team won’t show up. But at the same time, he opined that Scottie Barnes will be the face of the league. He attempted to drive home the point that the Raptors too had the stars like the Lakers did.

He urged his players to stay professional and keep fighting. In the Eastern Conference Raptors occupy the 11th spot with 15 wins and 22 losses. They had a list of injuries in the match otherwise they are considered an unpredictable side to create an upset against all the big giants.

What do you think about the allegations of the Raptors coach? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Junaid

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"I learned the game on the asphalt; it's the best teacher". In the crucible of childhood, where the joy of play clashed with the drudgery of rote learning, I found solace in the art of storytelling. At Essentially Sports, I seamlessly melded these early passions into a career fueled by the love for NBA titans like LeBron James.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe