Raptors coach Darko Rajaković battled a blizzard before the team’s overtime loss to the Clippers.
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković addressed the impact of a major winter storm in Toronto as the team prepared for and played its recent 121-17 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Rajaković spent part of the weekend clearing snow at his home.
“I pride myself on being a tough Serbian but that was not easy. My back is hurting today,” he told reporters about the challenges of managing life off the court in Toronto’s harsh winter (via Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports).
The heavy snowfall left driveways, sidewalks, and streets covered, forcing residents, including Rajaković, to shovel long stretches of snow before the workweek and game preparation.
The blizzard dropped significant snow across the Greater Toronto Area, creating hazardous travel conditions for fans, staff, and players.
Born in Čačak, Serbia, Rajaković began coaching at age 16 and worked in European professional leagues before joining the NBA. He served as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, and Oklahoma City Thunder prior to being named Raptors head coach in June 2023. His European coaching background informs his approach to strategy and player development.
The Raptors entered Friday’s game hoping to win their second straight game after defeating the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. However, the latest defeat dropped them to 25-18, although they remain fourth in the Eastern Conference and a game and a half behind the second-placed Boston Celtics.
Despite Friday’s loss to the Clippers, the team has shown improvement over prior seasons in which it missed the postseason. Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 24 points, but James Harden’s 31 points and 10 assists propelled Los Angeles to its fifth consecutive win. Toronto was unable to hold a late-game lead, underscoring areas for improvement on both ends of the floor.
Raptors Face Tough Road Stretch
Toronto’s offense has shown balanced contributions, while the defense has improved compared with previous campaigns. Rajaković will hope his team can maintain focus and remain consistent as they reach the season’s midpoint.
Toronto will look to rebound on Sunday when they travel West to face a struggling Los Angeles Lakers team. It’s the first of a five-game road trip that also includes games against the Golden State Warriors and concludes with a tough test against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team with the NBA’s best record as it stands.
Perhaps the LA weather will be a nice change for the team.