The Toronto Raptors suffered yet another crushing defeat, this time at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies, concluding the game at 155-126 on Thursday night at the FedEx Forum. This loss extended the Raptors' losing streak to nine games, raising significant concerns about their defensive consistency and overall team morale.
The Grizzlies showcased their offensive prowess, particularly enjoying success from the field, where they shot 53.2 percent on 109 attempts, including 40 percent from three-point range. They dominated the boards, outrebounding Toronto 63-40, with 24 of those being offensive rebounds contributing to 33 second-chance points.
The Raptors' newly set franchise record for the most points allowed in a game, surpassing their previous mark of 152 set against the Los Angeles Clippers during the 1997-98 season, has left fans and analysts baffled. Historically poor defense seems to be becoming the norm rather than the exception, with the Raptors conceding 139 points to the New York Knicks and now 155 against the Grizzlies over just two games.
It was not just the poor performance on the court but also the frustrations boiling over on the sidelines. Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković was ejected early in the fourth quarter after unleashing his frustration over what he perceived as another missed foul call during the game. The tipping point came when Scottie Barnes attempted to drive to the basket but was denied what Rajaković believed was clear contact from Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. The ensuing play saw Barnes miss his shot, only for Memphis to score at the other end, prompting Rajaković's furious outburst.
Rajaković charged onto the court to confront referee J.T. Orr, and it wasn’t long before he was handed two technical fouls, resulting in his ejection from the game. Players, including Barnes, attempted to intervene to prevent the situation from worsening. Rajaković's explosive reaction was indicative of his passion for the game, but it also highlighted the team’s frustrations amid their current disarray.
This was Rajaković's first ejection as head coach of the Raptors, but it follows another incident last season where he was fined $25,000 for berated officials after experiencing perceived injustices during games, illustrating his history of holding officials accountable when things don’t go the Raptors’ way. After the match, assistant coach Pat Delany expressed the need for teammates to hold each other to high standards, emphasizing the lack of performance relative to expectations.
Despite the team's difficulties, individual performances were notable. RJ Barrett managed to lead the Raptors with 27 points, alongside 9 rebounds and 10 assists. Scottie Barnes also had a commendable outing, contributing 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. Both players have shown potential throughout the season, with Barrett averaging 23.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, and Barnes, with 20.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists on average.
While both players have demonstrated growth, it appears the organizational strategy focuses more on ensuring they secure a top five pick for the upcoming draft, especially considering the perceived strength of the 2025 Draft Class. The Raptors' dismal record has ostensibly led to them embracing the concept of “tanking,” leaving Rajaković, as the head coach, to grapple with the emotional challenges of leading under such circumstances.
Looking forward, the Raptors have upcoming games where they will aim to snap their losing streak, with the next matchup set against the Atlanta Hawks on December 29. While fans hope for improvement, the loss against the Grizzlies serves as stark evidence of the significant rebuilding work still required.
Rajaković’s ejection, rather than being merely seen as disrespect or poor sportsmanship, might serve as a rallying cry for the players, reflecting the competitive spirit their coach embodies on the sidelines. Whether this outburst will have rippling effects, encouraging the Raptors to perform aggressively and assertively, remains to be seen.
