DeRozan took exception to Pascal Siakam attempting a 3-point shot with 3 seconds left and the Raptors leading by 12 points when Siakam could’ve dribbled out the clock. DeRozan angrily chastised the Raptors bench and coach Darko Rajakovic, who told coach Billy Donovan that Siakam attempted the shot because point differential matters for In-Season Tournament ramifications.
The Raptors actually had been eliminated from In-Season Tournament advancement before the game, but apparently, word didn’t get to Rajakovic and Siakam.
“I don’t care about no In-Season Tournament points, none of that. Just respect for the game,” DeRozan said. “If the roles was flip-flopped and I had the ball, hold it. It is what it is.”
I’d imagine 90% of his frustration comes from the scenario he’s in, not Pascal taking the shot. I know nuance is hard for the nephews in here, but sometimes people build up a lot of frustration and the littlest thing makes it boil over; chances are that’s what happened here. It’s just as cringe to be caught up on some basic words someone said when they’re experiencing frustration, especially when there was no disrespect directed at anybody, just him airing out what he felt.