Following Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković was fined $25,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing officials.
Rajaković was dissatisfied with the foul discrepancy in the fourth quarter, as the Raptors lost 132-131, with Toronto only going to the line twice compared to the Lakers' 23.
It's outrageous. “What happened tonight is complete nonsense,” Rajaković stated. This is humiliation. Regrettable referees. It's shameful the league allowed this. Their 23 free throws, our two in the fourth quarter? Instructions for the game? I admire All-Stars, but our team has stars."
Rajaković believed officials cost the Raptors the game. Lakers' Anthony Davis scored 20 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter, finishing 11-of-11 at the free throw line. The Raptors made 13 free throws Tuesday, while the Lakers made 36.
How is it possible that All-Star player Scottie Barnes receives two free throws in a game while going to the rim with power, without flopping, and not seeking to draw foul calls? Rajaković slapped the table repeatedly. How is that possible? So how would you explain that?
“They had to win tonight? If so, inform us to avoid attending the game, Rajaković stated. Allow them to win. That was unfair tonight. This is not our first time. Scottie Barnes will be All-Star. He will represent the league, and the season's events are a complete disaster.
After the game, LeBron James said, "I felt like they fouled and we didn't." Despite losing $25,000, Rajaković believes defending his team against poor officiating would benefit his players.
“It just says that he’s all for us as a family, as a team,” Raptors center Thaddeus Young said. “We’ll always cooperate. We'll always support each other as a family and team. Since Day 1, he's supported us and we'll always remain together. Love Darko to death. We love Coach and appreciate his advocacy."