In an exciting season opener, the Toronto Raptors outperformed the Atlanta Hawks with a commanding 138-118 victory. The game took place on Wednesday night, marking a strong start for both teams.
Raptors Shine with Strong Performances
RJ Barrett led the Raptors with an impressive 25 points. Brandon Ingram, making his debut for Toronto, contributed 16 points along with nine rebounds. Scottie Barnes added 22 points and distributed nine assists, while Gradey Dick came off the bench to score 19 points.
This performance set a new franchise record for points on opening night, surpassing last season’s high. The Raptors were exceptionally efficient, shooting 57% from the field and an impressive 69% on two-pointers.
Key Contributions
- RJ Barrett: 25 points
- Brandon Ingram: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
- Scottie Barnes: 22 points, 9 assists
- Gradey Dick: 19 points off the bench
Ingram, who was traded to Toronto midseason last year, missed the final 56 games of the previous season due to an ankle injury but showed promise in his debut. He made 7 of 16 shots during the game.
Hawks’ Efforts Visible But Not Enough
The Hawks put forth a notable effort, led by Jalen Johnson’s 22 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Johnson took on a more significant playmaking role, which coach Quin Snyder had envisioned for him. Trae Young added 22 points as well but struggled with his shooting, finishing 1 for 7 from beyond the arc.
Turning Point
A pivotal moment came as the Raptors executed a 14-0 scoring run in the third quarter, extending their nine-point lead to 23. This surge allowed Toronto to effectively seal the victory, preventing the Hawks from closing the gap in the fourth quarter.
Upcoming Games
Following this victory, the Raptors will host the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Hawks are set to face the Orlando Magic as part of a back-to-back matchup this Friday.
