Clara Kuang (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Head coach of Toronto Raptors, Darko Rajakovic, was fined US$25,000 by the NBA.
On January 7th, 2024, Toronto loses to the Los Angeles Lakers 132-131. Upon being interviewed after the game, Rajakovic commenced to a lengthy response. Rajakovic criticizes the referees for giving the Lakers 23 free throws to the Toronto Raptors, calling the situation “outrageous.”
“What happened tonight, this is completely B.S.,” Rajakovic said, while pounding the table. “This is shame. Shame for the referees. Shame for the league to allow this. Twenty-three free throws for them, and we get two free throws in the fourth quarter?”
Additionally, Raptors’ starting center, Jakob Poeltl, sprains his ankle before the game, already setting Toronto with a disadvantage.
On the Lakers’ side, center Anthony Davis shoots 20 of his total 41 points in the fourth quarter and 14 of the total 36 free throws. In comparison, the Toronto Raptors had a total of only 13 free throws.
In response to the public officiating of Rajakovic, the NBA punishes the coach with a massive US$25,000 fine.
