On Wednesday, Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajaković described the veteran center of the Cavaliers, Tristan Thompson, as a “classless” player after the 131-108 victory of the CAVs over the Raptors.
Rajaković also suggested that Thompson’s actions showed disrespect.
“I think what Tristan did there was no lack of respect,” Rajaković said during a press conference after the game. “I’m not going to defend that, sure. I love when my team defends itself. That was not a class.”
Rajaković was upset by Thompson’s two hands in recent seconds of the game.
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The Raptors Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead players faced Thompson immediately after the final bell rang, and some fans directed Big Man of the Cavs.
Tristan Thompson, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has words with the Toronto Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press through AP)
Thompson went to social networks on Thursday to share his response to Rajaković’s comments. Thompson said the Raptors participated in a “press of the complete court” even when Toronto was following two digits at the end of the game.
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“You want a complete court press with less than a remaining minute in the game when they break you the 30, this will happen to you. Loss for the draft lottery and be happy friend. Hopefully you and most of your boys see the light at the end of Bobby and Masai long -term plan.
The Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said he did not understand Thompson’s thinking process at that time, but he didn’t believe there were “bad intentions” behind the overturning.
The center of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tristan Thompson, immerses itself against the Toronto Raptors during the second half in Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on February 12, 2025. (John E. Sokolowski/Imagn images)
“I’m not sure what I was thinking,” Atkinson said. “Sometimes, however, you are playing the game, and you only have one reaction. I know that with Tristan, there is no bad intention there. I think you are sometimes playing, and the goal of the game is to write down. Unfortunately”
Thompson, who is from Canada, had four points in four minutes. He is averaging 1.7 points and 3 rebounds per game in 28 games this season.
