By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In a dominant showing at United Center, Serbian play-caller Darko Rajakovic guided the Toronto Raptors to a resounding 139-109 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The win pushed Toronto to a 39-29 record for the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season, marking their third consecutive triumph as they opened a five-game road trip in style. Austrian center Jakob Poeltl tallied 17 points and eight rebounds, while Georgian reserve Sandro Mamukelashvili provided a massive spark off the bench, matching Poeltl with 17 points to go along with five assists.
Despite the blowout win, the conversation in the postgame press conference quickly shifted toward Friday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. The contest features a meeting between Rajakovic and his compatriot, three-time season MVP Nikola Jokic. When asked how he plans to neutralize the Serbian superstar, Rajaković kept the mood light before turning to the realities of his roster depth.
“We’re going to surprise Jokic. We’re going to put our point guards to guard him. So, we’re preparing a very special strategy against him,” he joked, drawing laughs from the media. However, his tone shifted to the importance of forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who has been sidelined with a left thumb sprain. “Having CMB would be a huge help to have in that game,” he added.
While the Bulls struggled, Lithuanian starter Matas Buzelis led the hosts with 19 points. French reserve Guerschon Yabusele added five points, though Chicago remained shorthanded with fellow French import Noa Essengue still recovering from shoulder surgery.