The fan-favorite star's return after seven years usually means a few things. Expectations have to be tamed because stars get older, and you can't expect the same level of production as before. Toronto Raptors fans have the luxury of saying this doesn't apply to them, well, for the most part. That was clear when Kawhi Leonard played in their NBA season opener against the Chicago Bulls. He and Scottie Barnes delivered insane performances that led to a 135-92 beatdown with historic records.
Raptors' Leonard and Barnes get historic NBA records to trample Bulls
The Raptors look like title contenders in form during their NBA season opener. Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes were perfectly in sync with the rest of the roster. Not to mention, everyone else contributed to the win over the Bulls.
This led to three major statistical achievements for the Raptors in the season opener. Their 135-92 win was the largest-margin victory in Raptors opening-night history, per ESPN Insights.
Leonard led the scoring barrage with 23 points despite shooting just 29.4% from the field. He shot 100% from the free-throw line on 11 attempts to make up for his live-ball inefficiency. Defensively, he shone with six rebounds, four steals, and a block. The veteran NBA All-Star knows he wasn't at the top of his game, but he had a simple message after the game, via Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.
"You can’t rush greatness. You know, whenever the medical thinks I could push forward and I’m feeling great, whatever numbers we’re looking at, or they’re looking at, then that’s when that time will come. I was just happy to be out there and do the best I can with my minutes," the Raptors star said.
Barnes and Immanuel Quickley also followed suit, each with 23 points. RJ Barrett also scored 20 points to help the Raptors bury the Bulls during the NBA season opener. In total, nine Raptors scored five points or more to get themselves on the win column.
Kawhi MAKING PLAYS on both ends in his Raptors return 😤 Sinks a 3. Steal & assist. https://t.co/UDY9bih0lI
— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2026The Raptors also delivered the largest NBA season opener loss for the Bulls. The margin was 43 points, and everyone seemed to have been muzzled. Matas Buzelis led his team with 17 points, but his field goal percentage dropped to 25%. Moreover, no Bulls player scored 20 points. Defensively, the Raptors delivered a masterclass.
Lastly, this was also the largest loss by a team in a head coach's debut in NBA history. Coach Tiago Splitter had his schemes and rotations dismantled on every front. They won only one major statistical category: 57 total rebounds. From field goal percentage to points off turnovers, the Bulls fell short against the Raptors.
Something special clearly happens when Leonard dons a Raptors uniform. Hopefully, he and Barnes can replicate the magic from 2019.
