Raptors Dominate Bulls Behind Ingram's Masterclass, CMB’s Paint Presence, and Ja’Kobe’s Breakout Start
The Raptors turned in one of their most complete performances of the season, handling the Bulls with poise, pace, and a little bit of everything from just about everyone. It was a night where the stars showed up, the role players stepped up, and the game plan clicked from the opening tip.
Let’s break down the standout performances from a win that showed just how dangerous this team can be when it’s firing on all cylinders.
C. Murray-Boyles: 37 MIN, 17 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 3 BLK, 8-9 FG, +20
This was a different gear from CMB. He was assertive, physical, and downright punishing in the paint.
When he got the ball deep, it was game over. He backed defenders down with confidence, finishing with touch and efficiency around the rim.
But what really stood out was how Toronto used him as a hub offensively. He wasn’t just scoring-he was facilitating, threading passes to cutters and keeping the ball moving.
Add in three blocks on the defensive end, and it was a full-service performance from the big man.
Scottie Barnes: 32 MIN, 13 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST, 6-11 FG, +10
Barnes played the role of conductor tonight, orchestrating from the top of the key and the elbows, constantly probing and finding teammates in rhythm. His entry passes to CMB were sharp, and he showed a feel for the game that continues to mature.
While he didn’t light up the scoreboard, his defensive presence-especially on the perimeter-was a problem for Chicago. He knew they lacked a true blow-by threat, and he took full advantage, pressing up and making life uncomfortable for ball handlers.
Immanuel Quickley: 31 MIN, 24 PTS, 5 AST, 9-20 FG, 3-11 3FG, +14
Quickley came out gunning, but it wasn’t just from deep. He made a concerted effort to get downhill, and it paid off.
With Chicago’s defense losing track of cutters and off-ball movement, Quickley found seams in the lane and capitalized with his signature push shots. Even on a night when the three-ball wasn’t falling consistently, he still managed to impact the game with his pace and pressure.
Brandon Ingram: 35 MIN, 33 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST, 12-20 FG, 5-9 3FG, +7
This was Ingram at his most surgical. He picked apart Chicago’s defense with a midrange game that looked effortless-dribble, shake, rise, bucket.
But what elevated his night was the three-point shooting. He walked into shots with confidence, and more often than not, they splashed through.
When defenders started to overplay him, he shifted gears into playmaker mode, finding open teammates off the double. This was a statement game from Ingram, and Toronto rode his hot hand all night.
Sandro Mamukelashvili: 23 MIN, 17 PTS, 5 REB, 3 STL, 4-6 3FG, +3
Mamu was lights out from deep, and his quick release kept the Bulls scrambling. He spaced the floor beautifully, knocking down threes from all over the arc.
But this wasn’t just a shooting clinic-he was active on defense, jumping passing lanes and coming up with three steals. His energy and shooting gave the second unit a real spark.
Gradey Dick: 12 MIN, 2 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 1-3 FG, -3
It was a quiet night for Gradey. He had a fast-break alley-oop layup, but outside of that, struggled to find his rhythm.
He missed his lone three-point attempt-an open corner look-and on the defensive end, Chicago targeted him. He got beat a few times, and the Raptors had to adjust.
Jamal Shead: 22 MIN, 3 PTS, 4 REB, 8 AST, 2 STL, +7
Shead played with pace and purpose. He pushed the tempo, kept the ball hopping, and racked up eight assists-most of them to shooters or finding Ingram in motion.
His defensive instincts were sharp too, picking up two steals and staying active in the passing lanes. He did have a few turnovers, but overall, his tempo helped Toronto control the flow.
Ja’Kobe Walter: 31 MIN, 12 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 6-9 FG, +14
Ja’Kobe got the start tonight, and he made the most of it. Filling in for RJ, he took on the slasher role and excelled.
His cuts were timed perfectly, and he finished with authority. He didn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact-he just moved smartly, finished strong, and played with confidence.
Defensively, he was active and alert, making his presence felt on both ends.
Jamison Battle: 14 MIN, 2 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 1-3 FG, +7
Battle didn’t light up the box score, but he gave the Raptors solid minutes. He stayed within the system, kept the ball moving, and held his own defensively. Sometimes, a quiet game is exactly what you want from a bench piece-no mistakes, no drama, just steady play.
Coach Darko Rajaković: A
Rajaković pushed the right buttons tonight. Starting Ja’Kobe against a guard-heavy Bulls lineup was a savvy move, and he leaned into Ingram’s hot hand with smart sets that kept the floor spaced and the offense humming. The rotations were crisp, the defensive matchups made sense, and the Raptors looked like a team with a clear plan-and the talent to execute it.
Toronto walked away with a win that wasn’t just about the scoreboard-it was about the way they played. Aggressive, unselfish, and locked in on both ends. If this is the version of the Raptors we’re going to see more often, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.