Players and teams really don't like losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Especially, apparently, Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam.

NBA Insider Shams Charania noted recently that the All-Star is in a bit of hot water after getting in a shouting match with head coach Nick Nurse:

According to Charania, “Siakam had heated words toward Nurse, sources said. Several choice words were issued…”

The Raptors, who made a good deal of noise this past summer in the Orlando bubble, have collapsed relatively thus far into the season. They sit at 17-26, are currently four games out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and are the owners of this season's longest running losing streak (nine games after Sunday's double-digit loss to Cleveland). It is speculated that the exchange was related to frustration from this current slide.

Siakam, who earned his first All-Star bid last season as he averaged career highs in all counting stats, is having a bit of a down year, at least with his scoring (19.8, down from 22.9). His dramatic year-to-year improvement has been notable since his 2017 rookie season, and the combo forward is now an established star in this league.

It is notable that the Raptors are approaching the trade deadline with the apparent aim to unload several pieces from their seemingly playoff-ready roster, specifically Norman Powell and franchise legend Kyle Lowry. No doubt that these rumors are also affecting morale in the locker room on top of the Raptors' apparent fall from last year's grace.

There will likely be statements from multiple parties relating to this fine in the near future. Stay tuned.