“It’s not like we have Steph Curry sitting on the bench!” Raptors HC Darko Rajaković takes a controversial dig at his locker room following ‘tough’ loss to the Jazz

Toronto Raptors won the NBA championship in 2019.

“It’s not like we have Steph Curry sitting on the bench!” Raptors HC Darko Rajaković takes a controversial dig at his locker room following ‘tough’ loss to the Jazz

Curry and Darko Rajakovic (via Open Source/X)

On June 13, 2023, the Toronto Raptors brought Darko Rajakovic on board as their 10th head coach, aiming to revitalize the franchise. Currently placed 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, the team is grappling with a three-game losing streak, having secured only two victories since the month began (2-10).

In the recent matchup against the Utah Jazz, experiencing a 126-119 defeat on their home turf, the Raptors found themselves in a closely contested game. Despite holding a 98-85 lead after the 3rd quarter, they faltered in the fourth and final quarter, succumbing to a 41-21 point difference and ultimately losing the game.

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During the post-game press conference, the Raptors’ coach Darko Rajakovic was asked about the team’s overall performance and about changing lineups. His response:

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Change lineups? “What? How? Why? Who? We can mix up rotations. It’s not like we have Steph Curry on the bench and not playing him.
Darko Rajakovic at the post game press conference

The head coach’s statement has ignited division among fans. Notably, some find it amusing, whereas others perceive it as a source of controversy. Amidst the Raptors’ transition into a rebuilding phase after securing the NBA championship in 2019, they are actively preparing for their upcoming game at the Capital One Arena against the Washington Wizards.

Raptors blow chance the down Utah Jazz

The Toronto Raptors succumbed to their third consecutive loss at home, falling 126-119 to the Utah Jazz. Consequently, the Utah Jazz secured their second consecutive win. Despite a promising start, the game for the Raptors concluded in defeat.

DeMar DeRozan for the Toronto Raptors (Image via Tony Dejak/Associated Press)
DeMar DeRozan for the Toronto Raptors (Image via Tony Dejak/Associated Press)

Scottie Barnes, the small forward, dominated the players’ statistics chart, accumulating 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. Despite his outstanding performance, it failed to secure a victory for the Raptors. Leading for the Utah Jazz, Jordan Clarkson contributed 30 points, three rebounds, and six assists, while Lauri Markkanen, the Finnish player, provided substantial support with 30 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.

Notably, three players achieved the feat of scoring 30 points in the game. Moreover, the game showcased the Utah Jazz’s efficient field goal shooting at 48/91 (52.7%), outperforming the Toronto Raptors, who managed 45/94 (47.9%). The fourth quarter proved to be a downfall for the Raptors, as they struggled with an 8/24 (33.3%) field goal success rate, contrasting with the Utah Jazz’s impressive 14/23 (60.9%) performance.

The Utah Jazz will embark on an away game at the Frost Bank Center to challenge the San Antonio Spurs. Meanwhile, the Raptors are set to visit the Wizards next.

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