Toronto Raptors NBA Beat Reporter @TSN_Sports, @TSN1050Radio, https://xitter.cf/t.co/RcZXob7RTJ, IG: jlewgram, BSky: https://xitter.cf/t.co/ouVWpFRc6q
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For this to work, the Raptors can’t simply rely on Kawhi Leonard to win them games, and they didn’t on opening night.
Weighing in on Kawhi’s rusty re-debut with @HelloooJack for @JayOnSC:
Jama Mahlalela channeled Kyle Lowry and secured the game ball for rookie Allen Graves, who made his NBA debut tonight.
Graves: “I got a new level unlocked. I’m just excited to be here and get my first points in the NBA. Officially a part of the brotherhood.”
I asked Kawhi why he put together the video essay that dropped yesterday: “Just to give respect to the fans, show them that I care about this season & that I’m going to be doing things on & off the floor. Just fan interaction & connection. You’ll probably see a little more of me”
Does Kawhi have a target in mind re: when he’ll be fully ramped up and playing at the level we saw in the middle of last season?
“You can’t rush greatness.”
Kawhi on why he asked to go back in the game in the 4th: “I haven’t gotten a chance to play a lot. I know we were blowing them out but the goal was to get 23, 24 minutes tonight and I just needed more reps to learn plays… This is where you get better… You need game reps.”
One thing about the 2019 Raptors: they didn’t rely on Kawhi to win (until the playoffs). Other guys stepped up when he sat, allowing them to manage his workload.
Not the re-debut people were hoping for tonight but his teammates picked him up. Bulls aren’t the bar but bodes well.
Josh Lewenberg retweeted
Before the benches emptied the Raptors defense held the Bulls to:
81 ORTG / 68 half court ORTG - and only allowed transition on 4% of possessions
weak team, but absolutely smashed them
Josh Lewenberg retweeted
The Raptors have led by as much as 46 points tonight vs the Bulls.
Their biggest opening-night victory in franchise history was a 20-point win over the Hawks last season.
Safe to say they're getting the record tonight.
Looks like Leonard's night is done after 24 minutes (not like he was needed for more than that in this one). Was rusty in his re-debut, shooting an uncharacteristic 5-for-17, but he got to the line 11 times, made all his FTs, and still finished with 23 points. He'll be just fine
Josh Lewenberg retweeted
The story behind Scottie Barnes’ custom CN Tower braid up ⬇️
When Barnes went to see his Toronto hairstylist before his team’s season opener against the Chicago Bulls, he had no idea she was working on something special. thestar.com/sports/raptors/t…
If CMB is going to defend and rebound like this, his nightly floor is so damn high. He's shooting 2-for-7 and has legitimately been one of the most impactful players on the floor. Off nights are few and far between for guys who play that hard.
Oh, goodie, the Raptors are in the penalty 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter. Hope you like free throws!
Barnes and IQ at the half: 33 points on 11-21 FG, 5-9 3P. Kawhi is 1-for-9 since hitting his first 3 but he's gotten to the line 6 times and has 11 points in 13 minutes. Raptors lead Bulls 69-44.
Weird start for Kawhi. Since hitting his first shot (a 3-ball), he's 0-for-8. He's missed all 6 of his attempts in the paint, including a couple chippies at the rim. Chalk it up to early-season rust after a (very) slow preseason ramp up.