The issues related to the tournament are changing practices within the league. Last night in Toronto, Pascal Siakam was pushed by his bench to try his luck from afar when the match was already won for the Raptors. There were a few seconds left to play and DeMar DeRozan Did not appreciate this attitude.
The custom is that the team about to win keeps the ball and stops playing. But the Canadians, wanting to keep a tiny chance of moving up the Group C standings, first thought about “point average”. As a result, the tone rose a little between Darko Rajakovic and the back of the Bulls, and the latter received a second technical foul, synonymous with expulsion.
“ I don’t care about this tournament points thing, none of that. I just respect the game. If the roles were reversed and I had the ball, I would have kept it. It’s like that “, begins by explaining the veteranwho threw off his jersey when returning to the locker room.
A locker room on the verge of depression
The latter, whose team is no longer in the race, adds: “ I knew that. But I didn’t care either. Everyone was shouting ‘Mark, mark, mark’ at him. Take victory and get out! Like I said, if the roles were reversed, whether I need points in a tournament or not, just out of respect for my opponents, I keep the ball. Especially if there is no possession clock. I am like this. »
Obviously his reaction was not only linked to this sequence. With this third defeat in a row, the sixth in seven matches, his Bulls (5v-12d) continue to sink…
“ I can’t pretend, I’m beyond frustrated. And I think it’s legitimate as a competitor. Everyone in this locker room is frustrated. It’s a good thing to be a competitor and want to understand what’s going on. You have to win some victories. I truly believe this can change everything for us », wants to be positive about the rear, author of 19 points last night (-31 when he was in play…).
The former Raptors player believes he and his teammates need to “ question. We can’t have philosophical discussions. We have to challenge each other to give it our all. It’s a good thing to be challenged. Ask something of yourself like you’ve never done before, including me. This is where we are. »
