Toronto Raptors vs LA Clippers: Can the Raptors channel their anger into a win?
After the mess of last night’s game, and Darko’s viral comments, can the Raptors shut out the noise and play well again tonight?
The Toronto Raptors are back in Los Angeles tonight to play the Clippers tonight after their one-point loss to the Lakers last night.
If you haven’t been on the internet today, the Toronto Raptors played a great game last night, but a 23-2 free throw attempt discrepancy in the fourth quarter led to the Lakers winning 132-131.
After the game, Darko Rajakovic went on a huge rant at his postgame press conference, calling out the referees for giving the Lakers preferential treatment.
Darko is a real one. pic.twitter.com/qPUykwR2pO
— Kayla Grey (@Kayla_Grey) January 10, 2024
That response from Rajakovic has now gone viral, and has circulated the news cycle all day.
The Raptors themselves don’t have much time to dwell on it though, and they will be back at Crypto.com Arena tonight to play the Clippers.
It will not only be sort of a redemption after losing last night, but also a reunion. Two former Raptors — Kawhi Leonard and Norm Powell — now play for the Clippers.
Despite the loss, the Raptors played really well last night. Scottie Barnes scored a team high 26 points while RJ Barrett scored 23 points and 10 rebounds.
They will need to channel their 2024 energy to get a win against the Clippers, who had a rough go of it early in the season but are now 23-13 and in fourth place in the Western Conference.
The Clippers have won seven of their last 10 games and went on a nine game winning streak in the month of December.
In other news — Kawhi Leonard also signed a contract extension with the team, as was announced today.
Toronto will have to tune out the noise and focus on beating the strong Clippers today, in order to keep from sliding into a losing record on their road trip.
Here is the game info:
Where to Watch: TSN, 10:30pm EST
Injuries:
Toronto: Christian Koloko (respiratory — OUT), Jakob Poeltl (ankle — OUT), Otto Porter Jr. (knee — OUT)
Clippers: Diabete (OUT)
Lineups:
Toronto: Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Pascal Siakam, Thad Young
Clippers: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, James Harden, Terence Mann
Should be an interesting one...