Date: November 7, 2025
Source: Toronto Raptors (YouTube)
After the Raptors’ win over the Atlanta Hawks, head coach Darko Rajaković discussed the halftime adjustments, Immanuel Quickley’s resurgence, Scottie Barnes’ energy, and team chemistry in the starting group. He also praised Gradey Dick’s spark off the bench and Sandro Mamukelashvili’s floor spacing late in the game.
For more Raptors coverage, visit the Toronto Raptors page on Toronto Sports Pulse.
On the Halftime Message
“We talked at halftime that we did not play to our standard in the first half and that we can do much better. We just wanted to focus in the second half and fix the things that we talked about — game plan-wise and how we want to play on the offensive end. It was good to see that the team responded and played much better in the second half.”
On Immanuel Quickley’s Performance
“Absolutely nothing [surprised me]. This is what I know that he brings every single day. I see every day how much he works. He’s playing well now and I have absolute trust in his decision-making and shooting ability. Nothing really impresses me there — I expected this from him.”
On Adjustments for Barnes and Barrett
“We did a much better job in the fourth quarter — scoring 36 points — but defense was what created opportunities for us. We made a couple of tweaks defensively in how we wanted to guard some of their pick-and-roll actions and isolations. They did not shoot the ball well, and we did a solid job converting those opportunities on the other side.
Still, we’ve got to do a much better job rebounding the ball. Their 19 offensive rebounds are way too much.”
On Gradey Dick’s Energy
“He brought great energy. He’s a floor spacer. He was taking great threes, fighting defensively, and was in the right spots. I thought he played a really, really good game today.”
On Colin Murray-Boyles’ Green Light
“He has the green light to shoot the ball when he’s open.”
On the Starting Group’s Growth
“Yes, it just takes time. We are still learning how to play off each other — to read the game, see where our advantages are, and how to attack.
Today we were able to find RJ in certain actions, and he was the one creating an extra punch for us offensively. I thought Scottie in the second half, especially in that fourth quarter, was outstanding with the force he played with, taking the ball to the rim.
Brandon was really, really good when he had a preferable matchup — getting to his spots and being very efficient from there.”
On Getting Brandon Ingram Touches
“Yes — fantastic. We did. He’s the player who just needs the ball in his hands. We’ll have to take a look at the film and figure out our spacing. There were a couple of situations where we were overloaded and missed some simple passes. That’s going to be good film for us to learn from tomorrow.”
On Choosing Between Poeltl and Mamukelashvili Late
“Thank God we have a very good and deep team that allows us different solutions.
Today I thought Sandro was really good. He created good spacing for us when he was on the floor. He’s also really competing, fighting, guarding the ball, and improving his rebounding — that was really important for us.
We’re still finding Jakob’s rhythm after losing some time and a couple of games — he’s finding his rhythm coming back.”
Pulse Takeaway
Darko Rajaković praised his team’s second-half response, citing improved defense and leadership from Scottie Barnes. He applauded RJ Barrett’s playmaking, Quickley’s consistency, and Gradey Dick’s energy, while highlighting Mamukelashvili’s spacing and growth from the starting unit.
Quotes from Darko Rajaković via Toronto Raptors (YouTube). Used for analysis and commentary.
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
About the Author
