Date: November 15, 2025
Source: Toronto Raptors (YouTube)
After the Raptors’ 129–111 win over the Indiana Pacers, head coach Darko Rajaković discussed Jakob Poeltl’s resurgence, the second unit’s energy, defensive adjustments, and the value of a strong road-heavy start to the season. Rajaković praised the group’s progress while emphasizing continued growth.
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On Jakob Poeltl Returning to Form
“I think it’s multiple things. It’s him finding some rhythm. Physically he’s feeling better. Sometimes with those seven-footers, they’re on a different schedule than the rest of the population.
He’s finding rhythm. He’s doing a great job for us. He’s so important. I’m really glad he had a good game.”
On Poeltl’s Finishing and How It Opens Up the Offense
“He does a really good job in pick-and-rolls creating separation and getting in that area where he can catch the ball. The whole team is doing a good job finding that pass.
He’s elite at finishing, but he’s also very good at connecting with the second side. If you overhelp, he’s going to find open shooters on the weak side.”
On the Second Unit’s Ability to Change Games
“I’m speaking a lot about our second unit. Outside of Sandro, everybody is in their first, second, or third year. Everybody’s so young, and thank God those guys have amazing talent.
They’re jelling really well as a group. They’re improving. They’re ambitious. They’re hard workers. They come to every game ready to compete.
I’m very proud of Ja’Kobe and Gradey and Jamal and Collin, who missed a couple days with sickness and came here and was able to help us tonight. It is a luxury to have this group of guys.”
On the Starters’ Slow Start and Better Third Quarter
“They made some shots early. They got hot offensively. We missed some wide-open shots. There was a run in four minutes and thirty seconds where they scored seventeen points.
We addressed that in a timeout — we need to be much more alert, not just protecting the paint but closing out to the three-point line.
After that, we played a very competitive and good defensive game. Not just the starters, but everybody else.”
On Meeting Expectations During the Road Trip
“Our schedule is nine of thirteen on the road. When we go home, we come literally for one game and get on the road again. We’re spending a lot of time on the road.
For us, this is very good early in the season to learn how to play on the road and how to win those games.
I’m really satisfied with winning four out of five on this road trip. We played some really good basketball. It’s still part of the process. There are areas for us to continue improving and getting better.”
Pulse Takeaway
Rajaković highlighted Poeltl’s renewed rhythm, the bench’s maturity beyond their years, and the team’s defensive response after a slow start. Toronto’s 4–1 road trip solidified early-season progress, with the coach stressing continued development as the Raptors navigate their travel-heavy schedule.
Quotes from Darko Rajaković via Toronto Raptors (YouTube).
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
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