The atmosphere was electric at Scotiabank Arena as the Toronto Raptors faced off against the San Antonio Spurs. The first half was a whirlwind, with the Raptors seizing momentum in the second quarter.
After a defensive stop, they pushed the pace, and the ball found its way to Brandon Ingram at the top of the key. He launched a three-pointer, but Stephon Castle, hustling back on defense, challenged the shot.
It looked like Castle might have caught Ingram's hand, but the refs kept their whistles silent. This decision didn't sit well with Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic, whose animated reaction earned him a technical foul. Was it frustration, or was Rajakovic trying to spark something in his squad?
Darko Rajaković is ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS at a non-call, and gets issued a technical foul. https://t.co/o09eWDLgIw pic.twitter.com/C2u7ITlBD2
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) February 26, 2026
Whatever the intent, it seemed to ignite the Raptors, who surged to a double-digit advantage by the fourth quarter. Rajakovic's fiery demeanor on the sidelines is quickly making him a fan favorite. Off the court, though, he's known for his light-hearted antics, like his locker room entrances filled with playful shouts.
His players, including Ingram, appreciate this energetic leadership. "He brings the energy every single day," Ingram shared.
"He’s the leader of our team. He makes sure we bring it to practice, to games, to shootarounds.
He makes sure we have it every time we step on the basketball floor."
The Raptors are eager to rebound from their recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and with Rajakovic at the helm, they’re bringing the intensity needed to turn things around.