Darko Rajaković explains how Jakob Poeltl can find rhythm

The Toronto Raptors have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA so far this season, but they ran into a class problem Tuesday night. Despite being seeded in group play and earning a home run in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup, The Raptors were knocked out by the New York Knicks 117-101 as New York advanced to the semifinals in Las Vegas.

Toronto lacked impact from any player in this game, including the center Jakob Poeltl. The veteran big man scored efficiently, but took just seven shots en route to 10 points in 25 minutes.

When Poeltl is involved, it gives Toronto’s offense an easy button that can help take some pressure off some perimeter players. After the loss, the head coach of the Raptors Darko Rajaković outlined some ways Poeltl can stay involved without relying on ball holders to bring him the ball.

Darko on how Jak can get his groove back:

“I don’t think it’s necessarily touching the ball. It’s the rhythm to get the rebound, it’s the rhythm to not turn the ball over in transition.”

“The only way to get through it is through work and play… https://t.co/cUMKSNtVC4l pic.twitter.com/kkiNeZISrL

— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) December 10, 2025

“I don’t think it’s necessarily about touching the ball,” Rajakovic said. “The rhythm is to get the rebound, it’s the rhythm to not turn the ball over in transition. … The only way to get through that is through work and play. He’s got to play some of those mistakes. I think he’ll get back to being himself.”

Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 31 points and no other Raptors reached the 20-point mark, somewhat of a common theme in games where Toronto has struggled to score. Against a Knicks team with a lot of talented individual defenders, you saw it become a challenge all night long.

On the other hand, all five Knicks starters finished in double figures, while Jordan Clarkson added 12 off the bench. Jalen Branson led all scorers with 35 points and the Knicks are advancing in large part because of his efforts.

While it’s certainly disappointing for the Raptors to not make it to Las Vegas, the NBA Cup and this season as a whole are still very promising for Toronto. Currently, the Raptors are 13-11 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They look like a team that will be in contention for a playoff spot the rest of the season, and games like Tuesday’s could be valuable learning experiences for a young team getting its feet wet in a crowded conference.