Date: November 17, 2025
Source: Toronto Raptors (YouTube)
Following the Raptors’ 110–108 win over the Charlotte Hornets, head coach Darko Rajaković broke down the team’s late-game execution, rim protection, defensive instincts, Jamal Shead’s impressive matchup work, and the emotional lift from Brandon Ingram’s highlight dunk. Rajaković also praised the group’s growth, habits, and ability to win tight games.
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On Handling the Final Minutes of a Close Game
“You’re reading my mind. Last five minutes of the game I was like, this is good for us. This is going to be very good film for us to watch.
I thought we did some extraordinary things down the stretch — rim protection, blocking shots, coming up with important rebounds. And there’s going to be good film for us to learn how to close the game and execute better there.”
On Brandon Ingram’s Playmaking in the Clutch
“He’s with us for a reason. We love the guy. We love his game. He’s continuously improving with us.
Defensively he was really good today with his ball pressure, hand activity, and protecting the rim. I think he did a really good job today.”
On Late-Game Rim Protection and Defensive Instincts
“All those reads at the end of the game — that’s players. That’s them reading the game and making the right calls.
We know our priority is rim protection. From there we figure out the rest of the rotations and how to guard the three-point line.
We overhelped a couple times and gave up open shots, but those end-of-game situations — BI and Scottie, that’s just high-level instincts and basketball IQ.”
On Jamal Shead Defending Bigger Guards
“His ball pressure is elite. He stays in front regardless of size or matchup.
He did a really good job with his hands. The game required adjusting to what contact was called as fouls and what wasn’t, and he adjusted in the second half really well.
He brings energy, focus, and doesn’t care if he scores. He only cares about the team winning and doing the right things.”
On Scottie Barnes’ Game-Saving Block
“I was really excited, but I did not show any emotions at the moment. I was thinking, was there any time left and what we needed to do to get organized.
I tried to stay calm, but it was a high-level play.”
On the Starting Unit Reaching Two-Way Balance
“That’s definitely the goal — to have good balance.
I’m continuing to challenge the guys to do it on both ends because they’re capable. We’re learning how to win, learning each other, learning how to close games. There is a lot for us to learn.
Our film sessions are heavy right now, but I’m really liking the progress.”
On Brandon Ingram’s Dunk and His Athletic Recovery
“It’s not still there to 100%, but it’s coming back. If he has that type of pop and is playing above the rim, he’s a scary player for all opponents.”
On the Team’s Growth During Their Winning Stretch
“It’s very cool to see the growth of the team. Yak and Scottie are really on it, really enjoying this moment.
The younger guys — even in smaller roles — are embracing it and finding ways to help the team. I’m really proud of them.”
On the Free Throw Disparity
“You want me to get fined?
No comments regarding referees and free throw disparity.”
On Adjusting to Refereeing Across the League
“There is no such thing as encouraging them to get better calls. It’s adjusting to the game. Every crew is different.
Some players look for selling contact. It’s all about knowing who you’re playing and adjusting to the referee crew. That’s a big part of learning how to win in this league.”
On the Bench Reaction to Ingram’s Dunk
“Brandon is a very cool teammate. He’s invested in our guys and our team.
When someone is a good human being and he does well, you cheer for him. That was a natural reaction from our bench.”
On Barnes & Ingram Closing the Game Defensively
“It’s very important. It’s a luxury to plug those players into different spots and have them respond in the best possible way to find a way to win.”
On How Much Fun He’s Having
“A lot of fun.”
Pulse Takeaway
The Raptors showed real growth in a tight game: elite rim protection, high-IQ reads, Shead battling bigger matchups, and Ingram’s athletic spark. Rajaković emphasized the team’s learning curve, film-driven improvement, and pride in both stars and role players embracing their responsibilities during a winning stretch.
Quotes from Darko Rajaković via Toronto Raptors (YouTube).
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
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