The Toronto Raptors sacked coach Sam Mitchell on Wednesday, one day after the National Basketball Association club suffered the worst defeat in club history.

The Raptors, who came into the season with high expectations after acquiring six-time All-Star Jermaine O'Neal, fell to a disappointing 8-9 after Tuesday's 132-93 defeat at Denver.

"This is a difficult but necessary step for the franchise to take," general manager Bryan Colangelo said.

Canadian-born assistant Jay Triano was named interim coach. Triano is in his seventh season on the Raptors staff and was head coach of the Canadian men's national team from 1998-2004.

Mitchell, 45, was in his fifth season as Toronto's coach. He amassed a 156-189 record and was named the NBA's Coach of the Year in 2006-07 after guiding the Raptors to the Atlantic Division title.

In May 2007, Mitchell inked a three-year contract to remain with the Raptors after drawing interest from both Indiana and Charlotte.

Toronto has been hampered by injuries this season. O'Neal has been sidelined with a knee injury and guard Jose Calderon missed time with a hamstring injury.

Mitchell became the third NBA coach to get the sack this season, joining PJ Carlesimo of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Eddie Jordan of the Washington Wizards.

AFP

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