Friday’s win carried extra significance for the Toronto Raptors, according to Eric Koreen of The Athletic.
In addition to helping Toronto improve its standing in the postseason race after slipping into play-in territory, the victory also demonstrated that the team was willing to compete and push back even when facing adversity.
Before the game, head coach Darko Rajakovic addressed the team’s reaction to an incident that occurred late in Wednesday’s loss to New Orleans involving Dejounte Murray and Jamal Shead.
With 1:24 left in the game, Murray hit a three-pointer to give the Pelicans an 18-point lead, then stood over Shead, who had fallen to the floor, and taunted him (YouTube link).
Only Immanuel Quickley attempted, albeit a mild one, to step in for Shead.
“I thought that we did not handle the situation the way we want and how we were supposed to,” Rajakovic said.
“Our players had conversations with each other. They know that’s not the true picture and image of our team. They all agreed that’s never going to happen again.”
Both Koreen and Michael Grange of Sportsnet also noted a different response from the team during Friday’s game.
When RJ Barrett was hit with a flagrant foul by Grayson Allen, several Raptors players quickly stepped in to support their teammate.
Scottie Barnes made a game-saving play despite being listed as questionable with an illness, plus more on the Raptors. https://t.co/bXVcsmd9qS
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 15, 2026
