The great, the good, and the meh from Raptors’ dominant season opener

The Toronto Raptors opened their 2026-27 NBA season with a dominant 132-95 blowout victory over the Chicago Bulls. Toronto took early control of the game by scoring 43 points in the first quarter, securing the franchise's 20th opening-night victory. Writer Chris Lambert highlighted Immanuel Quickley as "great" after he recorded 23 points, seven assists, and a plus-38 rating while serving as a primary shot maker and playmaker.

Lambert designated Scottie Barnes' sustained offensive aggression as "good," with Barnes contributing 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists on 19 field goal attempts. Kawhi Leonard's outing was evaluated as "meh" due to inefficient 5-of-17 shooting, though Lambert praised his defensive activity, assertiveness, and an 11-of-11 showing at the free throw line that allowed him to finish with 23 points.