A late-game dunk by Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson sparked a heated exchange between the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Raptors coach Darko Rajaković criticized Thompson's actions, calling the dunk "disrespectful" and "classless" during the post-game press conference. Rajaković expressed his disapproval of the two-handed slam in the final seconds of the Cavs' 131-108 victory, a game where the Raptors were trailing significantly.
The dunk led to an immediate confrontation between Thompson and Raptors players Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead after the buzzer, with fans also voicing their displeasure through boos. Thompson responded to the criticism on social media the following day, justifying his actions by pointing to the Raptors' full-court press despite the large point deficit. He suggested the Raptors should focus on improving their draft position rather than employing such tactics late in the game.
Thompson's dunk also drew a reaction from Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, who expressed confusion over Thompson's decision-making but dismissed any malicious intent. Atkinson acknowledged that players sometimes react instinctively during a game and reiterated that the objective is to score. The Canadian-born Thompson contributed four points and four minutes of playing time in the game, averaging 1.7 points and 3 rebounds per game this season.
