Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic turned to rookie Collin Murray-Boyles when starting center Jakob Poeltl struggled against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Murray-Boyles delivered 17 points, seven rebounds, a block, and a steal in nearly 26 minutes during Toronto's 115-105 loss. "It's just the trust that he's put in me to let me do that with confidence," Murray-Boyles stated, crediting his coach for enabling his aggressive play.
The six-foot-seven, 245-pound power forward, a first-round pick in the 2025 draft, averaged 8.5 points, five rebounds, and 1.9 assists in the regular season. His athleticism and physicality allow him to defend top NBA players like Cleveland's Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell.
Rajakovic noted Murray-Boyles provided a better matchup for switching in pick-and-rolls against the Cavaliers' strong shooting lineups. Despite being a work in progress, the coach praised the rookie's intensity and poise in his first two playoff games. "He did not flinch one moment. He did not back off. I’m really proud of him," Rajakovic said.
Murray-Boyles emphasized the increased focus required for postseason play, stating, "Every possession matters." The Cavaliers currently lead the best-of-seven series 2-0, with the Raptors set to host Games 3 and 4.