The Toronto Raptors defeat the Chicago Bulls 121-108 for their second straight win. The Raptors are 8-8 and get back to .500.
Although they were eliminated from the In-Season Tournament before this one started because the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics, the Raptors came out with a ton of energy.
They dominated the opening quarter 36-22. The Raptors led by as many as 20 and were in cruise control until the Bulls made a late run in the fourth quarter and got it to 7. It felt like the last time these two teams played.
Where the Raptors dominated, built a big lead but then Zach LaVine took over and the Bulls came back. LaVine led all scorers with a game-high 36 points. However, the Raptors responded coming out of a timeout and held on for the win.
The Raptors had many contributors on this night. Six players finished in double-figures, including all five starters. O.G. Anunoby had a game-high 26 points on 5 three-pointers made. Gary Trent Jr. bounced back in a big way from off the bench. He finished with 16 points and was hot to begin this game. He and Anunoby led the way for the Raptors in the first-half.
After a slow first-half Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes came alive. Siakam finished with 18 points and Scottie Barnes once again filled the stat sheet. He had 13 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks and was a team-high +19. He was huge on the defensive end and his energy level was great throughout.
This was a gutsy win by the Raptors. The Bulls are a bad basketball team right now and Toronto took full advantage.
After the game the Raptors assigned Gradey Dick to the Raptors 905. The rookie continues to struggle to find his footing in the NBA so a trip to the G League should help his confidence. He had 2 points in 9 minutes of action in this one.
Next on tap
The Raptors head on the road for another two-game road trip. They will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 26 and then they will play the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 28 which will be their final In-Season Tournament game.
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