Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson inflamed fans and coaches of the Toronto Raptors by going for a late-game dunk after the Cavaliers had sealed victory in their 131-108 win.
Tristan Thompson going at it 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0R9o1Q5apm
— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) February 13, 2025
Raptors head coach slammed Tristan’s actions in his post-game interview, calling the act classless.
“I think what Tristan did there was no class and disrespectful. I am really glad that our players, they stood up for themselves. I love when my team stands up for themselves.”
Thompson didn’t take kindly to Darko’s criticism, slamming the head coach in a ruthless social media rant.
“You wanna full-court press with under a minute left in the game when you get cracked by 30 this will happen to you. Lose for draft lottery and be happy buddy boy. Hopefully, you and most of your guys see the light at the end of Bobby and Masai long term plan. Bless up stay warm in MY CITY.”
All Tristan Thompson did in this game was play three garbage time minutes where he scored four points (2-4 FG) and two rebounds. Two of these points have caused a stir, as the Raptors players on-court were angry with Thompson and then he was slammed by the franchise’s head coach.
Breaking an unwritten rule of basketball didn’t bother Thompson in this situation. His social media lashing to Darko’s ‘classless and disrespectful’ comments shows that he had one in the chamber and was waiting for an opportunity to shoot. Tristan didn’t take kindly to Darko’s aggressive defense in a blowout loss, so he wanted to prove a point by scoring through it regardless.
His comments on Darko’s job security were uncalled for. Even if he was angry at Rajakovic’s comments, he shouldn’t be making fun of the Raptors head coach job security.
Thompson is averaging 1.7 points and 3.0 rebounds this season, and if he wasn’t the well-liked veteran at the end of the Cavs bench, he probably wouldn’t be in the league right now. However, he still has some basketball left in him and showed that through aggressive defense in that one play against the Raptors.
Tristan won’t be playing outside non-garbage time unless the eight players get injured, so he’s likely satisfied in his role. He could be considered a Cavs legend after having played for the franchise for 11 seasons of his career and being the starting center for their 2016 title triumph.
If the Cavaliers secure the best record in the NBA and potentially another championship, Thompson might one day see his jersey hang in the rafters. He might not have a lot of on-court value right now, but what he means to his franchise will always outstrip what Rajakovic means to the Raptors, so he’s in a position to say whatever he feels.
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