In a game that was closer than anticipated, the Toronto Raptors edged out the Chicago Bulls with a 110-101 victory at the United Center. Fresh from having two All-Star representatives for the first time since the 2019-20 season, the Raptors showcased both promise and areas for improvement.
Brandon Ingram was the star of the night, scoring 31 points and showcasing his driving skills, though it took him 26 shots to get there. He also added eight rebounds, six assists, and a couple of steals to his impressive stat line. Scottie Barnes was his usual versatile self, contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals/blocks.
The Raptors came out aggressive, forcing the Bulls into nine turnovers by the end of the first quarter. Toronto's defense was relentless, and their "first touch" philosophy-always looking for quick hit-ahead passes-fueled their league-leading transition game.
Ingram was a force in transition, consistently attacking the rim. However, he was met with resistance from Chicago's Jalen Smith, who delivered a notable block. On the defensive end, Scottie Barnes was instrumental, stripping the ball from Matas Buzelis and finishing with a fastbreak dunk.
The Raptors' early 10-2 run was sparked by easy transition points and a dynamic play from RJ Barrett, who connected with Ingram for a highlight-reel dunk. However, their halfcourt offense struggled, managing just 75.6 points per 100 plays against Chicago's set defense.
Despite these struggles, the Raptors found bright spots. Ingram executed a smooth flare screen into a stagger, hitting a signature mid-range jumper. The Bulls fought back, exploiting gaps in Toronto's defense, with Jakob Poeltl adjusting to his first game off the bench since December 2024.
Toronto's defensive intensity returned as Jamal Shead forced an eight-second violation and Barnes, alongside Immanuel Quickley, created turnovers. The Raptors' offense showed glimpses of Coach Darko Rajaković’s system, emphasizing rapid ball movement and unselfish play.
The guards took charge in the second half, with Anfernee Simons hitting from deep and Quickley drawing fouls effectively. Ja’Kobe Walter also made an impact, finishing with 14 points and three steals. Ingram praised Walter's shooting, highlighting his potential for increased minutes.
Ingram continued to assert himself, driving to the rim for crucial finishes. However, his aggression sometimes led to turnovers, like a late third-quarter misstep that allowed the Bulls to close the gap.
As the game wound down, the Bulls mounted a challenge with a 7-0 run, but the Raptors held firm. Ingram found Collin Murray-Boyles for a key and-1, then sealed the game with a step-back jumper.
While the Raptors didn't deliver the dominant performance they hoped for, the potential for a more effective offense is evident. Quickley struggled from deep, but with more plays designed to create open looks, his shooting could be a game-changer.
For the Raptors to reach their full potential, they need to maximize their offensive strategies, putting players in positions to succeed without relying solely on individual brilliance. With Ingram leading the charge and the right adjustments, Toronto's path forward looks promising.