The Toronto Raptors could not officially start this new era with a victory as they were defeated by the Chicago Bulls by a score of 116-110. A great effort was shown but flaws with the team prevented them from being able to get over the hump.
Defensive struggles plagued this team from the beginning of this game as they gave up 38 points in the opening period. The lack of depth at the center position derailed this team as Nikola Vucevic took advantage finishing with 24 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Jontay Porter displayed a great effort with physical defense and decent offensive productivity, finishing with 10 points, however, he was too short for Vucevic once he got a deep post position.
Demar DeRozan had a great performance in his return to Toronto, contributing 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Timely baskets in the fourth were enough to put this game away despite a valiant effort made by the Raptors.
Scottie Barnes led the way for the Raptors with an outstanding performance, doing everything for this team. He finished with 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists. However, he wasn’t given much consistent assistance from others. Bruce Brown, the main piece in the Pascal Siakam trade, made his Raptors debut and put together an impressive outing. The defending champion finished with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Toronto struggled from the perimeter and was in dire need of replicating their shooting performance from their last game against the Miami Heat. The team shot just 10-38 from three including multiple open opportunities which could’ve turned the tides in their favour.
The disappointing loss adds to the struggle this season has been as the Raptors fall to 16-26 on the season. Toronto will now head to New York where RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley will make their return to their former team. The game will be on Saturday, January 20, at 7:30 PM ET.
