Toronto Raptors coach believes in Brandon Ingram and objects to playoff 'narrative'

Brandon Ingram has left a less-than-ideal impression on Toronto Raptors fans so far in these NBA playoffs.

He did not have a basket in the second half of Game 1, he had one of the worst offensive shooting performances in Raptors playoff history in Game 2. But despite his struggles against the Cleveland Cavaliers so far, he's confident things will change.

"I'm confident I won't miss all my shots [in Game 3]," Ingram told reporters following Raptors practice at the OVO Athletic Centre on Wednesday. "I know when I'm going, the team is more effective."

The 28-year-old has been talked about heavily in the media during this first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After Game 1 he said only attempting nine shots wasn't going to win any basketball games. In Game 2, Ingram was given more attempts, but they did not go in, as he shot 3-for-15 from the field.

"It is tough when you feel like you're not doing your job, especially what I was brought here to do," says Ingram.

Brandon Ingram on how it feels emotionally/physically after games he struggles scoring:

“It’s hard, tough, and you go back and you’re not doing your job, especially what they brought you here to do.” “Either you stay in it emotionally, or you continue to try to figure it out.”… pic.twitter.com/dLXSgtgFYk — Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) April 22, 2026

To deal with the slump emotionally, Ingram says he's been sitting in disappointment to figure out where he went wrong.

"I give myself some gratitude and think about the things I did well, then get back into the fight."

Ingram's teammates and coach described him after Wednesday's practice as someone who first and foremost wants to help his teammates win.

"He's the one that got us here," said Raptors guard RJ Barrett. "He's an All-Star, and the whole season he's been amazing."

Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic says he's seen the headlines about Ingram not being a team player or a playoff performer, and he wants to shut the door on that.

"People are trying to create a narrative that's not there," Rajakovic said during Wednesday's press conference. "He's trying hard out there, and he will bounce back. I believe in him — I'll go to war for him any day of the week."

As bad as Ingram's playoff stats may be thus far, Rajakovic praised Ingram's ability to get to open spots, create chances and be more physical than he was in Game 1.

#Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic on Brandon Ingram:

"People are trying to create a narrative that's not there. He's trying hard out there, and I have the utmost trust in Brandon." "He will bounce back. I believe in him and will fight for him any day of the week." pic.twitter.com/TwkTKhvxw6 — Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) April 22, 2026

The Raptors' toughest test for Game 3 at Scotiabank Arena will still be limiting the damage offensively from the Cavaliers' backcourt of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, who've combined for 112 points through the first two games of this series.

In contrast, Barnes and Ingram have combined for just 71 points — a 41-point difference.

Ingram alluded to being excited to be playing at home in front of Raptors fans.

They say a series doesn't start until the home team drops a game. The Raptors would love to prove that correct by holding serve with a pair of wins on Thursday and Sunday at Scotiabank Arena.