Toronto Raptors question refs after Game 2 loss in Cleveland

If Game 1 felt frustrating as a Toronto Raptors fan, Game 2 loss was more of the same.

The Raptors suffered a 115-105 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. In the post-game press conference, Raptors players and coaches voiced frustration with the officiating, particularly the lack of free throws for star forward Brandon Ingram.

"Their whole team is very, very physical with Brandon," said Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković post-game. "For me, it’s very interesting that he had zero free throws this game. Zero takes, zero makes... It’s interesting."

Darko Rajakovic:

"Their whole team is very very physical with Brandon. So for me it's very interesting that he had 0 free throws in this game. Seeing zero takes, zero makes, it's interesting" pic.twitter.com/81S7zRkEUH — Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 21, 2026

Ingram finished with just seven points in 35 minutes, despite calling for more touches following the Game 1 loss. He also committed a team-high five turnovers as Toronto struggled to protect the basketball for the second consecutive playoff game.

The Raptors finished the game with 22 turnovers, 18 of them from the starting five.

To add to the frustration, Toronto was whistled for 24 personal fouls, compared to 20 for Cleveland.

Raptors guard RJ Barrett was asked about the lack of free throws for Ingram, and for himself, attempting just two free throws. Cavaliers guards James Harden and Donovan Mitchell combined for 11 attempts.

"Physicality or not, something has to be a foul at some point," Barrett said, careful with his response, adding that he was unsure what to say without getting fined.

RJ Barett on Darko’s comments regarding the lack of free throws Brandon Ingram had tonight (as well as RJ only having 2 FTs himself):

“I don’t know. I don’t know what to say on that one without getting fined. So, I ain’t going to say nothing.” 😭 “Physicality or not, something… https://t.co/rc7Y5sZkFZ pic.twitter.com/wPVduVVRMU — Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) April 21, 2026

Despite the tough night statistically, Rajaković said Ingram did a better job finding his spots offensively compared to Game 1.

Statistically, it marked one of the toughest playoff outings of Ingram's career. It was the worst offensive playoff game with 15+ field-goal attempts by a Raptors player since DeMar DeRozan shot 4-for-17 for nine points in a Game 4 loss to the Miami Heat in the second round in 2017.

Ingram was brought to Toronto to complement Scottie Barnes as an off-ball mid-range scoring option in moments like Game 2 of a playoff series.

Despite his struggles, Raptors teammates expressed their confidence in him.

"We believe in Brandon, we know he's our go-to guy," Barnes said. "We know he'll get back out there and help us."

Barrett echoed those sentiments, praising Ingram's impact throughout the season.

"He’s got us here. The whole season, he’s been amazing for us," Barrett said. "Just told him to stay in it, keep his head in it...We need him. We got a couple days before the next one, and we know he’ll be ready to go."

The Raptors will now head back to Toronto for Games 3 and 4 down 2-0 in this best-of-seven series. Game 3 goes on Thursday at Scotiabank Arena.