Raptors news: Even Darko Rajaković recognizes Toronto must recharge fast
Toronto has endured a grueling stretch that tested every ounce of energy. A heartbreaker at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers a couple of days ago, courtesy of Rui Hachimura’s late heroics, set the tone. Then came a back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets, where Toronto looked drained and ultimately fell 111-86.
That brutal five-game sprint in seven nights pushed the Raptors to the brink. Only one win came from those five contests, with two of them coming on back-to-back nights. It’s clear the team has been operating on fumes, and head coach Darko Rajaković didn’t sugarcoat the reality: the squad needs a rapid reset and a surge of energy. “Darko, when asked if the team looked mentally and physically worn after a long week, said, ‘Yes. Five games in seven nights… We’ve got to recharge mentally and physically. We’ve got to bounce back and find our energy levels to compete again,’” Omar Osman reported.
This week handed Toronto a tough slate: two games against the Hornets, plus dates with the Lakers, Knicks, and Trail Blazers. Of that lineup, the Raptors managed to win only against Portland. After a hot start, their record has cooled to 15-9, placing them third in the Eastern Conference.
There is a silver lining in sight: the early surge they built has helped them maintain a favorable position, even as the calendar tightens. They’ll get a rare day off before a Sunday showdown with the Celtics. The question now is whether Toronto can summon another gear and snag a crucial win to sustain their momentum.
