The NBA world mourned the loss of Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, who died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning.
Even though Golden State’s game scheduled against Utah was postponed because of the tragedy, the rest of the league had to continue with their games despite playing with a heavy heart.
Milojevic was on the minds of many across the NBA, including Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic. He said he had known Milojevic since they were teenagers as they are both from Serbia.
"I told my guys I loved them."
An emotional Darko Rajaković on his pre-game message to the Raptors.
Darko also dedicated the win to the late Dejan Milojević. pic.twitter.com/6kk2GdjRZC
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 18, 2024
After the game, Rajakovic told reporters that he ran a play as a tribute to Milojevic.
“Opening play in the game was [an] ATO that Deki, my friend, I learned that play from him. It’s what he brought to [the] NBA and it’s what he brought to Golden State. I stole that play from him and that was our opening play tonight and we were able to score on it once. I dedicated this team win to our team and to Deki.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed that the set was the opening play of the game.
Clarified with Darko.
Decky's Play: Gary clears the side while IQ sets a ghost into a flare with Scottie on ball. https://t.co/5cnKbens6A pic.twitter.com/FKXsxklck9
— Samson Folk (the coach) (@samfolkk) January 18, 2024
As noted by Samson Folk, Toronto’s Scottie Barnes was double-teamed on the first possession of the game. So while it was technically not the first play of the game, it was the first “scripted” play of the game.
To make a good tribute an even more beautiful one: The Raptors were still able to score as Gary Trent Jr. hit a 3-pointer, which meant a lot to everyone involved:
Shoutout Coach 🫶
Open Gym: Moment presented by @Bell pic.twitter.com/76Z9WgEjLc
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 18, 2024
