Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles.
Poeltl managed two factors and 4 rebounds in below 10 minutes of play, not touching the courtroom within the second half of Toronto’s 115-105 loss to the Cavaliers on Monday. Murray-Boyles stepped into Poeltl’s sneakers, ending with 17 factors, seven rebounds, a block and a steal in almost 26 minutes of play.
“It’s simply the belief that he’s put in me to let me do this with confidence,” mentioned Murray-Boyles on what Rajakovic’s teaching resolution meant to him. “I’ve tousled prior to now, and now every little thing that he’s been telling me prior to now is now beginning to come out on this collection, simply me attacking the ball, me being aggressive, me being myself.
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“It’s been a course of to get up to now, however I’m grateful for a possibility to protect among the finest guys.”
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A pure energy ahead at six-foot-seven and 245 kilos, the 20-year-old Murray-Boyles has performed past his age in his rookie season with Toronto. The Raptors first-round choose within the 2025 draft, he averaged 8.5 factors, 5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists within the common season however, extra importantly, confirmed the athleticism and physicality to protect among the finest gamers within the NBA.
That features among the greatest names in Cleveland’s lineup, reminiscent of Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.
“A few of (the Cavalier) lineups that that they had on the market with lots of nice shooters,” mentioned Rajakovic on subbing Murray-Boyles in for Poeltl. “We wished to have the ability to swap extra in pick-and-rolls and Collin was offering a greater matchup there.”
Though he’s nonetheless a piece in progress, Rajakovic likes what he’s seen from the massive rookie in his first two NBA playoff video games.
“I believe he’s determining the depth of (the) NBA recreation, determining referees and what’s a foul within the playoffs, what’s not a foul. Clearly, there’s a distinction there,” mentioned Rajakovic. “I assumed that he did a very good job for a rookie to step in there, and he didn’t flinch one second. He didn’t again off.
“I’m actually pleased with him. That is wonderful for his progress.”
Murray-Boyles mentioned that his greatest takeaway from post-season basketball is that it requires elevated focus.
“Realistically, the mentality shouldn’t be completely different,” mentioned Murray-Boyles within the guests’ locker room at Rocket Enviornment in Cleveland. “We’re making an attempt to play each recreation the identical approach, regardless if it’s common season or playoffs, however it’s simply one other stage of focus, prefer it’s the most important factor, each possession issues.”
The Cavaliers maintain a 2-0 lead within the best-of-seven collection. Toronto’s Scotiabank Enviornment will host Sport 3 on Thursday and Sport 4 on Sunday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed April 21, 2026.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
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