Date: November 26, 2025
Source: Toronto Raptors (YouTube)
Following Toronto’s tight 97–95 win over the Indiana Pacers, head coach Darko Rajaković broke down the late-game execution, Scottie Barnes’ perfect night at the free-throw line, Ja’Kobe Walter’s growing two-way impact, and the team’s resilience despite a cold shooting night.
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On Not Calling a Timeout on the Final Possession
“On the first run up the floor, I wanted us to just play. I did not want them to do subs and put different personnel there. At one point it looked like we were getting stuck, but then I recognized the ball being in Brandon’s hands and I did not call it.”
On Quickley Deferring to Brandon Ingram
“Everybody knows why BI is here and what he does for our team. There is no secret. He’s doing a great job not just scoring in those situations, but playmaking. He’s shown that over and over this season.”
On Scottie Barnes Going 14-for-14 at the Free-Throw Line
“Big time. Scottie made big plays down the stretch — blocking shots, rebounding, scoring. And then 14-for-14 from the free-throw line… if he goes 12-for-14, it’s a different game. It was huge for us. I also have to point out that Ja’Kobe did a really good job today. He gave us energy and kept us in the game when things were not going our way.”
On Ja’Kobe Walter Settling Into a Two-Way Groove
“It’s a lot of things. He puts a lot of work in. He’s getting better opportunities. He knows we have his back. He’s our product — product of this organization. He understands the culture, the importance of defense, and he brings juice to the team every day. Really happy for him.”
On Having Multiple Late-Game Options Between BI and Scottie
“Big luxury. That’s why he’s getting paid money. He’s getting paid.”
On Gradey Dick’s Absence
“Gradey is feeling fine. We just kept him out for precaution. We did not want to risk anything, but he’s fine. We’ll update you more when we know more.”
On Winning Despite Shooting 38% From the Field and 19% From Three
“It’s resiliency — when things are not going our way, we stick together and continue finding ways. To shoot 38% from the field and only 19% from three and still win… in the NBA, that’s really hard. I thought Indiana played a really good game tonight as well.”
On Hosting a Quarterfinal Game in the In-Season Tournament
“It’s a great opportunity — a game early in the season that gets you somewhere, that has more meaning than just a regular-season game. This city and the love we receive… it’s going to be another festival of basketball here.”
On Being Second in the East and Winning Nine Straight
“It’s a hard question to answer because we feel happy and prideful, but we also know there is so much more basketball ahead. We know how much work we put in. With that amount of work, you expect to play well. Winning feels good, and it motivates us to see what the next level is. Thank God we have an amazing group of players who like each other and have good chemistry. That’s a great start for us.”
On Whether the Hot Start Changes Expectations
“Absolutely not. We’re taking it one game at a time. We want to compete every single night. Our goal is clear — continue growing and improving. We’re serious people. We’re not moving the target in the middle of the season.”
On Getting Every Opponent’s Best Shot Now
“This league is very competitive. There is no such thing as a game you know you’re going to win. It’s very hard to win every single night. The travel, the number of games — it’s hard on their bodies and their minds. We’re doing everything to recover guys and get them ready. It’s a long season. We’re in the middle of an up right now; downs will come. You have to see it as an 82-game journey.”
On Jakob Poeltl’s Game-Saving Block
“For sure that was a big block from Jakob. Every time he’s on the floor he helps us so much offensively and defensively. We’re still figuring out his rotations, but he was huge for us down the stretch. On offense he calms us down and gets us organized. That’s a big luxury for us.”
Pulse Takeaway
Toronto scraped out a win with defense, discipline, and stars who delivered when it mattered. Barnes was flawless at the line, Ingram handled the moment, and Ja’Kobe’s energy kept the team afloat through a brutal shooting night. Rajaković praised the resilience, the chemistry, and the team’s ability to win in multiple ways — a growing trait of a confident, rising contender.
Quotes from Darko Rajaković via Toronto Raptors (YouTube).
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.