TORONTO coach Darko Rajakovic went on a rant on Wednesday after the Los Angeles Lakers were given 23 free throws in the fourth quarter of a 132-131 win over the Raptors in NBA action on Wednesday.
The Raptors' first-year Serbian coach didn't hold back on his criticism of the referees in the league over the 23-2 disparity in free throws in the fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 36 free throws for the game against the Raptors' 13.
READ Anthony Davis caps 41-point night with clutch free throws vs Raptors
“It's outrageous. What happened tonight, this is completely B.S.," Rajakovic said, pounding the table in frustration during the post-game press conference.
"This is shame. Shame for the referees. Shame for the league to allow this. Twenty-three free throws for them, and we get two free throws in the fourth quarter? Like, how to play the game? I understand respect for All-Stars and all that, but we have star players on our team as well.
“How (is it) possible that Scottie Barnes, who is All-Star-caliber player in this league, he goes every single time to the rim with force and trying to get to the rim without flopping and not trying to get foul calls, he gets two free throws for a whole game?” Rajakovic added, slapping the table repeatedly for emphasis. "How is that possible? How are you going to explain that to me?”
Raptors coach demand respect
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 41 points and went 11-for-11 from the stripe in the final quarter.
Rajakovic said the Raptors deserve the respect of the referees.
“Just give them a win. But that was not fair tonight. And this is not happening first time for us. Scottie Barnes is gonna be (an) All-Star. He’s gonna be the face of this league, and what’s happening over here during whole season … it’s complete crap.”
Barnes scored 26 points to lead the Raptors.
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