Darko Rajakovic loses his temper with the referees: “The Lakers were supposed to win tonight? »

Four of the five Raptors had the same reaction. They couldn't believe that RJ Barrett was penalized by the referees one minute and a half from the end, after a rebound battle with Max Christie. However, the Canadian seemed to have only touched the ball, the young Lakers player was able to give his team a four-point lead at the free-throw line.

This action, among others which marked the meeting between Lakers and Raptors, fueled the black anger of Darko Rajakovic, expressed at a press conference. Eyes wide open, teeth gritted, the Raptors coach begins by thanking a journalist who points out the disparity in free throws between the two teams: 36 for the Lakers against 13 for his team. And above all a differential of 23 to 2 in the last quarter…

“ It's scandalous. What happened this evening was complete nonsense. It's a shame for the referees, a shame for the league to allow this. 23 free throws for them and two for us in the fourth quarter… How do we play? I understand that we respect stars, but we also have stars », gets carried away by the Raptors technician, who does not accept the treatment reserved for some of his players. Over the season, they shoot 22 free throws each night (17th in the league).

Scottie Barnes not rewarded

“ How is it that Scottie Barnes, an All-Star caliber player in this league, going hard to the rim every time, trying to go for it without going overboard to get the whistles, only gets two free throws throughout the game? How is it possible ? How are you going to explain this to me? They were supposed to win tonight? If so, let us know so we don't show up to the game. Just give them the victory », mocks the Serb.

The latter considers that this is not the first time that his winger has not obtained the whistle in his favor. “ Scottie Barnes is going to be an All-Star, he's going to be the face of this league. I held back from saying it, this is what happens throughout the season. This is pure shit », still rages Rajakovic, whose player, author of 26 points last night, obtains less than four free throws on average this season.

During the match, he had already little appreciated a key refereeing decision, 24 seconds from the end. RJ Barrett was penalized with an offensive foul, for a screen placed on Anthony Davis who collapsed on the floor. The Canadian passed the ball to Scottie Barnes who had the equalizer at his fingertips. His basket, converted, was of course invalidated…

The Raptors coach said he had no explanation for this sequence. The referees ” don't want to hear what we have to say. They don't want to hear the players, they don't want to protect us. » Then, banging a fist on the table, he blurted out: “ It happens often. And I tell my guys… be professional. Keep fighting, think about the next match. But until when ? For how long ? »