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Reading: Raptors Celebrate Darko Rajakovic’s First Win As Head Coach
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Home > Blog > News > Raptors Celebrate Darko Rajakovic’s First Win As Head Coach
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Raptors Celebrate Darko Rajakovic’s First Win As Head Coach

Matthew Valento
Matthew Valento Published October 26, 2023
3 Min Read
Darko Rajakovic
Bob Frid/USA TODAY Sports
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The Toronto Raptors kicked off their 2023-24 campaign with a win at home. They defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-94.

It was not pretty, as the bench struggled and the team did not shoot the ball well. But, the ability to hold the Timberwolves to 94 points was impressive.

Point guard Dennis Schroder impressed in his Raptors debut. He had a team high 22 points, 7 assists on 8-for-17 shooting from the field and 4-for-8 from deep.

O.G. Anunoby finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals on 7-for-13 from the field and 4-for-9 from deep. He was able to get the team going after a slow start.

After letting go of championship head coach Nick Nurse, Darko Rajakovic was given his first head coaching opportunity with Toronto. Being in the NBA since 2014, Rajakovic was able to get his first career win as a head coach in his first game.

When a new coach gets his first win, it usually calls for a celebration. That was the case on Wednesday, as players showered Rajakovic in water after the game:

NIGHT IN, NIGHT OUT 😤🏀
Open Gym: Moment presented by @Bell pic.twitter.com/zVvlqiWQZB

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 26, 2023

Rajakovic made his rounds as an assistant coach. Most recently he spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies and helped develop their young talent. Now, he is able to use that experience and transfer it to this Raptors team.

After a disappointing year last season, Toronto was searching for some sort of change. The organization went the coaching route and brought in Rajakovic.

Whether further changes need to be made, remains to be seen, but Rajakovic clearly has the respect of his players. While it was a grind it out win, there are still 81 more games to go.

The Raptors have a lot to work on, but this a step in the right direction.

Up next for Toronto

The team now takes a trip to Chicago to take on the Bulls on Oct. 27. And then the team will have their first back-to-back of the season when they host the Philadelphia 76ers and former head coach Nick Nurse on Oct. 28.

Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

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TAGGED: Darko Rajakovic, Toronto Raptors
Matthew Valento October 26, 2023 October 26, 2023
By Matthew Valento
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Matthew Valento graduated from Boise State University with a major in integrated media and strategic communications and a minor in journalism. He grew up in Santa Clarita, California and played basketball at Saugus High School. Along with writing for LakersNation.com and RaptorsNation.com, Matthew also hosts a basketball podcast called, "The Basketball Maestros." Contact: [email protected] Twitter: @matthewvalento Instagram: matthew.valento

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