Bulls, Raptors make NBA history on opening night

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Bulls, Raptors make NBA history on opening night

Matt Larter · The Big Lead

Thu, Oct 22, 2026 ·

3 min read

Leonard returns as Raptors dominate Chicago

Oct 21, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The matchup also marked Leonard's return to Toronto after being traded back to the Raptors from the Los Angeles Clippers following a nearly year-long NBA investigation into allegations of salary cap circumvention.

Leonard previously led Toronto to its first NBA championship in 2019 before leaving for Los Angeles. The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year now begins another chapter with the franchise, and his return coincided with an emphatic performance from the home side.

Leonard finished with 23 points, matching Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley for the game-high total. The trio helped fuel an offensive performance that left Chicago struggling to keep pace from the opening minutes.

The Raptors established control early, building a 20-point advantage by the end of the first quarter before extending their lead to 25 points at halftime. Toronto maintained its dominance after the break, turning the contest into a one-sided affair.

Chicago's struggles with ball security proved particularly costly. The Bulls committed 27 turnovers, which Toronto converted into 35 points, making it difficult for the visitors to mount any meaningful comeback.

Bulls look to bounce back in Milwaukee

Oct 14, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Pete Nance (35) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Despite the heavy defeat, Chicago rookie Caleb Wilson provided a few encouraging moments in his NBA debut. He recorded 16 points and four rebounds, although he also committed nine turnovers as the Bulls struggled to handle Toronto's pressure.

The Bulls will have little time to dwell on the loss, with a road matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks scheduled for Friday. Chicago will look to respond quickly after its record-breaking defeat.

Meanwhile, Toronto will travel to face the Washington Wizards on Friday as the Raptors attempt to build on their impressive opening-night performance.

With Leonard back in Toronto and the team starting its season with a commanding victory, the Raptors have delivered an early statement in the 2026-27 NBA campaign.