CAVALIERS
An otherwise run-of-the-mill Cavaliers blowout of the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday turned tense in the final moments of the game, as a late dunk by veteran center Tristan Thompson sparked a brief confrontation.
With Cleveland leading by 21 points and the shot clock off, Thompson drove to the basket and threw down a two-handed dunk with 4.1 seconds remaining, pushing the lead to 23.
The Raptors were in the process of inbounding the ball to run out the clock when Toronto fans booed Thompson, who was confronted by Raptors forward Scottie Barnes and guard Jamal Shead after the buzzer.
A brief shoving match ensued, and players and coaches from both teams quickly intervened to separate the two sides.
Following the altercation, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic criticized Thompson for what he saw as an unsportsmanlike display.
“I think what Tristan did there was no class and disrespectful,” Rajakovic said. “I’m not going to stand for that, for sure. I’m really glad that our guys, our players — Jamal, Scottie, and everybody else — that they stood up for themselves. I love when my team stands up for themselves. That was no class act.”
Barnes did not address the media after the game, but Shead agreed with his coach’s assessment, calling the dunk “a little bit disrespectful to the game of basketball, not just us,” per ESPN.
Raptors forward RJ Barrett added that it’s “kind of an unwritten rule” not to try to run up the score in such situations. Even Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t fully defend his player’s actions.
“I’m not sure what he was thinking,” Atkinson said. “Sometimes, though, you’re playing the game, and you just have a reaction. I know with Tristan, there’s no bad intention there. I think just sometimes you’re playing, and the goal of the game is to score. Unfortunate.”
Thompson, a Toronto native who has primarily played in garbage time for the 44-10 Cavaliers this season, responded to Rajakovic’s comments on Twitter Thursday.
“You wanna full court press with under a minute left in the game when you get cracked by 30 this will happen to you,” Thompson wrote. “Lose for draft lottery and be happy buddy boy. Hopefully you and most of your guys see the light at the end of (GM) Bobby (Webster) and (president) Masai (Ujiri’s) long term plan. Bless up stay warm in MY CITY.”
The post-game incident, while creating some tension, is unlikely to lead to suspensions, though fines could be possible for the players involved.
TRAIL BLAZERS
The Trail Blazers have already surpassed their win total from 2023-24, reaching 23 victories by the All-Star break. Although their 23-33 record keeps them out of the playoff race, the team is encouraged by their progress, having won 10 of 14 games after starting 13-28.
“I’m very happy with where we are right now,” coach Chauncey Billups said. “Our young guys continue to take steps.”
The Blazers went on a 10-1 run from January 19 to February 6 but have since lost three straight games, including a 132-121 defeat to the Nuggets on Wednesday. Multiple starters have been sidelined due to injuries, but Billups remains pleased with his team’s effort.
“I’m so proud of these dudes,” Billups said. “This is a game that, in December or November, could be a 40-point loss. But our dudes fought their butts off. I was so happy for them.”
INTERNATIONAL
Veteran guard Patrick Beverley has officially parted ways with Hapoel Tel Aviv, with the Israeli team confirming the move as a mutual decision, according to BasketNews.com.
Beverley, a former second-round pick, began his career in Europe, playing three seasons overseas before spending 12 years in the NBA.
After a stint with the 76ers and Bucks last season, Beverley was unable to secure a spot with an NBA team during the 2024 free agency period. He then joined Hapoel Tel Aviv, which competes in the Israeli Premier League and the EuroCup.
However, his tenure with the team was short-lived. According to BasketNews, Beverley was suspended after mocking head coach Dimitris Itoudis on social media, leading to a public spat. Beverley did not play another game for Hapoel Tel Aviv following the incident.
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