The Toronto Raptors could hardly have imagined a more convincing beginning to the 2026-27 NBA season. Toronto overwhelmed the Chicago Bulls 135-92 on Wednesday night, delivering a 43-point victory that immediately generated excitement about the team's potential. The Raptors controlled the game with aggressive defense, perimeter shooting and contributions from several key players.
Scottie Barnes finished with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists. Kawhi Leonard also scored 23 points, adding six assists and four steals in his first regular-season appearance since returning to Toronto.
The win provided an encouraging opening statement for a franchise hoping to become a serious factor in the Eastern Conference. It also exposed significant problems for Chicago.
Kawhi Leonard's return provides early excitement
Leonard's return to the Raptors was one of the NBA's most intriguing offseason developments. The veteran forward previously helped Toronto win the 2019 NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors during that historic run. His return gives the Raptors another experienced player capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.
"I'm just going to play hard and try to have fun out there, and try to make the city proud." Kawhi (23 PTS, 6 REB, 4 STL) on his Raptors return 👏 https://t.co/YbRECRgJ0q
— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2026Wednesday's performance was not perfect. Leonard made five of his 17 field-goal attempts, demonstrating that his offensive efficiency still has room for improvement.
However, he found other ways to influence the game. His six assists helped Toronto maintain offensive movement, while his four steals contributed to a dominant defensive performance.
Barnes also delivered an encouraging effort. The versatile forward made eight of 19 shots and showed the scoring ability that could become even more important with Leonard alongside him.
Together, the two provide Toronto with an intriguing combination of size, playmaking and defensive versatility.
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Chicago suffers miserable offensive performance
The Bulls entered the season hoping to establish chemistry with a reshaped roster. Their opening game offered few encouraging signs. Josh Giddey endured a particularly difficult evening, scoring just two points on 1-of-10 shooting.
RJ Barrett helped set the defensive tone for Toronto, making life difficult for Chicago's primary ballhandler. The Bulls also struggled without center Nic Claxton, leaving them vulnerable around the basket.
Toronto took advantage of those problems while building a commanding lead. By the final minutes, the outcome was no longer in doubt.
The Raptors were able to finish the game comfortably as their home crowd celebrated an impressive opening-night performance. For Chicago, the defeat creates immediate questions about defensive consistency, offensive execution and the team's ability to compete against talented Eastern Conference opponents.
One game does not determine an entire season. However, a 43-point defeat is difficult to dismiss.
Toronto's challenge will be maintaining the intensity it displayed Wednesday. The Raptors have plenty of basketball remaining, but their opening performance gave fans an encouraging reason to believe this season could be different.
