RJ Barrett led the charge with 25 points, joined by Brandon Ingram who made an impactful debut with 16 points and nine rebounds for the Toronto Raptors as they dominated the Atlanta Hawks to secure a convincing 138-118 win in their season opener.
Scottie Barnes showcased his skills with 22 points and nine assists, while Gradey Dick contributed 19 points coming off the bench, setting a new franchise record for points on opening night for the Raptors. Toronto’s impressive 57% shooting from the field, including a remarkable 69% on two-pointers, allowed them to outpace the Hawks with seamless transition plays resulting in easy scores.
Ingram, who missed a significant portion of the previous season due to an ankle injury, made his mark by shooting 7 of 16 from the floor and showcasing his all-around game with three assists and two steals.
Jalen Johnson of the Hawks, who was sidelined for the latter part of the previous season due to a shoulder injury, displayed his versatility with 22 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, stepping into a more prominent playmaking role as envisioned by coach Quin Snyder.
Despite Trae Young’s 22 points, he struggled from beyond the arc, going 1 for 7, and faced relentless defensive pressure from the Raptors’ guards throughout the game.
A decisive 14-0 run by the Raptors towards the end of the third quarter expanded their lead from nine points to 23, effectively securing the victory. The balanced scoring effort during this run, led by Gradey Dick, ensured that the Hawks never threatened Toronto’s lead in the final quarter.
In his debut for the Hawks following an off-season trade from Boston, Kristaps Porzingas delivered a solid performance with 20 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
UP NEXT
The Raptors are set to face the Bucks at home, while the Hawks will take on the Magic in Orlando in a back-to-back game on Friday.