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Raptors 117 – Bulls 100: Game 1 a laugher over sad opponent

By Brian Boake

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Robin Lopez
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Robin Lopez /
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The Raptors faced a depleted Bulls team to open the NBA season. Toronto’s balanced scoring provided an easy victory for the home team, despite poor performances from its stars.

The Toronto Raptors got their new season off on the right note last night at the Air Canada Centre. A woeful collection of Chicago Bulls hung around for a quarter, but were run out of the gym in Q2 by Toronto’s benchmen. The second 24 minutes was anti-climactic.

Though the destination was predictable, the trip itself wasn’t. The Raptors’ All-Star backcourt was anything but. DeMar DeRozan had a dreadful night. With no shots finding the net early, he seemed to get angry. He then began dribbling into double teams, and was charged with 5 turnovers against 2 baskets. Kyle Lowry’s four turnovers equaled his number of buckets, but he redeemed himself with 9 assists and solid D.

TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: C.J. Miles
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: C.J. Miles /

The leaders on this night were Jonas Valanciunas among the starters, and C.J. Miles off the bench. Our much-maligned center won’t have to endure much more abuse if he continues to produce like he did. JV had eight offensive boards, and seven from our glass. He totaled 23 points, and should have had close to 30; he missed several bunnies.

Miles was the story of the second quarter. His catch-and-shoot 3-balls broke the game open, while the second unit’s defense held Chicago off the scoresheet for a long period. After a Norman Powell 3-ball at 2:12, the Raptors margin was 27. The Bulls, to their credit, chipped away, though the result was never in doubt.

One game proves little or nothing at the best of times, and for the Bulls, these might be the worst. Their team was already destined for the basement before Bobby Portis broke Nikola Mirotic’s jaw in a one-punch fight. Kay Felder, a tiny guard just picked up off the waiver wire, played 15 minutes. This Chicago squad is in serious trouble.

Did we learn anything?

One shouldn’t draw many conclusions about the Raptors after a victory over such a sorry squad. Here’s a few anyway:

  • I like the decision to start Norman Powell, as Miles should be able to feast on most teams’ second units.
  • OG Anunoby’s legs were wrapped like a mummy, but that didn’t slow him down in his first NBA game. He didn’t look out of place at all, despite air-mailing his first 3-ball try.
  • The Raptors will be embarrassed by even mediocre teams if they get many more performances like those from Lowry and DD.
  • Speaking of DeMar, his defensive skills have improved.

The Philadelphia 76ers are in town on Saturday, after which the Raptors embark on a six-game road trip.

Putbacks: The half-time entertainment was O. T. Genasis, who sang, or something. There are times I feel really old…Delon Wright enjoyed an excellent game with 13 points and 5 dimes against no turnovers; if he can maintain that level of play, we won’t miss Cory Joseph…Jakob Poeltl should buy his rotation mates a fancy dinner. Despite making just one bucket, our Austrian center was plus_19.

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