Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković exhibited an intense level of frustration during Thursday’s game, surpassing the typical NBA coaching outbursts. Trailing the Memphis Grizzlies 125-103, Rajaković unleashed a tirade on the officials in response to a no-call, leading to his ejection after receiving two technical fouls. His own players had to intervene to calm him down as he was escorted off the court.
The crowd at FedExForum in Memphis, along with the Grizzlies, reportedly relished the spectacle. Rajaković had previously served as an assistant coach for the Grizzlies from 2020 to 2023.
The Raptors suffered a 155-126 defeat, with the additional free throws awarded to the Grizzlies following Rajaković’s ejection further widening the point gap. Toronto’s record now stands at 7-24, just ahead of the Washington Wizards for the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Assistant coach Pat Delany acknowledged the team’s failure to meet their standards, stating, “We hold each other to a higher standard and obviously we weren’t playing to that.” He also emphasized the importance of protecting the players in such intense moments.
This incident marked Rajaković’s first career ejection in his second season as the Raptors’ head coach. However, he had previously incurred a $25,000 fine in January for criticizing officials after a disappointing loss.