Toronto Raptors: Three takeaways from blowout win against Chicago Bulls

After losing three straight, the Toronto Raptors picked up a much-needed victory against the Chicago Bulls. Here are my three biggest takeaways.

For a random game in November against a pretty terrible team, it felt like the Toronto Raptors really needed that win. Losers of three straight, it still wasn’t time to hit the panic button. Lose a fourth consecutive contest to a tanking Bulls squad, and it might be time to worry.

Instead, the Raptors took care of business. Toronto defeated the Chicago Bulls in a 39-point beatdown. The lead was a respectable 13 points at the half when a 32-12 third quarter turned the game into a comedy special.

The fourth quarter served as an excellent time for Toronto’s younger players, Jordan Loyd and Chris Boucher, to gain some valuable NBA experience.

Despite the blowout, we learned a few things in the early going. Here are my three biggest takeaways:

1. Raptors sticking to rest schedule

The Raptors have been consistent all season in preventing Kawhi Leonard from participating in back-to-backs. Due to his injury issues last season (and really throughout his career), the Raptors are being as cautious as possible with the 27-year-old superstar.

It’s the smart decision. If he’s feeling okay, it might be tempting to allow your All-NBA talent to lift you out of a three-game losing streak. Nurse and company shouldn’t give in to those temptations. The goal of this Raptors team is to win games in May, not in November. Toronto sticking to a strict rest schedule is best for all parties involved.

2. Fred VanVleet bounces back

With Kawhi Leonard, along with half of the Raptors rotation, sitting out, Fred VanVleet was given the starting nod. Despite his early-season struggles, Nurse elected to start FVV for the first time in his career.

VanVleet responded. He finished with a game-high and season-high 18 points, hitting 7-11 shots from the field and 4-7 from beyond the arc.

After one good performance, VanVleet isn’t out of the woods yet. His season numbers are still down, and the Raptors need consistent production rather than random spurts. Still, it was an encouraging sign to see the leader of the “Bench Mob” thrive in a different role.

3. Why is Malachi Richardson playing?

Earlier this season, the Toronto Raptors declined Malachi Richardson’s option, essentially ensuring he won’t be returning next year.  So why are we giving valuable minutes to an ineffective player whose development is of no interest to us?

Richardson finished with nine points and five turnovers. He made a couple of open shots but once again finished with a sub-par performance.

Nurse, obviously, has a better pulse on the team than I do, but I can’t think of a reason why Malachi Richardson is receiving minutes ahead of guys like Jordan Loyd and Chris Boucher.

Make sure to check out our takeaways after every game here at RaptorsRapture.com