Toronto Raptors dominate Bulls 135-92 as Kawhi Leonard returns

TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a convincing 135-92 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, marking Kawhi Leonard’s regular-season return to the franchise with a dominant performance at home.

Leonard scored 23 points, matching Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley for the team lead, while RJ Barrett added 20. Toronto never trailed and built its victory around defensive pressure, balanced scoring and Chicago’s inability to protect the basketball.

The Raptors forced 27 turnovers, converting them into 35 points, and recorded 15 steals in a one-sided season opener. Leonard contributed four of those steals, showing his defensive impact despite an inconsistent shooting night.

Toronto Raptors take control from the opening quarter

Toronto wasted little time establishing its advantage, scoring 43 points in the first quarter. Chicago struggled to respond, managing just 44 points across the entire first half as the Raptors consistently disrupted the visitors’ offensive possessions.

The Bulls’ difficulties extended to their perimeter shooting. Chicago finished 4-for-36 from three-point range, with Norman Powell the only player to connect more than once from beyond the arc.

Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 17 points, followed by rookie Caleb Wilson with 16. Powell and Jaylin Smith each contributed 15, but Chicago never found the offensive consistency needed to challenge Toronto.

Wilson, making his NBA debut, committed nine turnovers and shot 7-for-21 from the field, including 1-for-8 from three-point range. His struggles reflected a difficult opening night for a Chicago team that repeatedly surrendered possession under pressure.

The Raptors, meanwhile, received contributions throughout their lineup. Four players reached the 20-point mark, while Ja’Kobe Walter added 10. Toronto’s ability to spread the scoring allowed the team to maintain control without depending on one player to carry the offence.

Kawhi Leonard scores 23 in first regular-season game back

Leonard’s return was one of the biggest storylines surrounding Toronto’s season opener. The veteran forward helped the Raptors win their first NBA championship in 2019 before leaving for the Los Angeles Clippers later that year.

After returning to Toronto through an offseason trade, Leonard made his first regular-season appearance for the franchise in seven years.

He opened his scoring with a three-pointer on his first attempt but struggled to find a consistent rhythm afterward, missing his next eight shots before connecting on a jumper late in the second quarter.

Leonard finished 5-for-17 from the field and 2-for-6 from three-point range. However, he converted all 11 of his free throws and remained active defensively before checking out with 8:12 left in the fourth quarter.

His performance offered an early look at how he fits alongside Barnes, Quickley and Barrett. Rather than relying exclusively on Leonard, Toronto distributed its offensive responsibilities while using his defensive presence to disrupt Chicago’s possessions.

Former Raptors forward Serge Ibaka, who played alongside Leonard during Toronto’s 2019 championship run, attended the game from courtside.

The victory provided an encouraging start for a Raptors team beginning a new chapter with a familiar face back in its lineup. Although Leonard’s return attracted considerable attention, Toronto’s defensive intensity and contributions across the roster were equally important to the result.

The Raptors will look to build on their opening victory when they visit the Washington Wizards on Friday. Chicago, meanwhile, will attempt to recover from its difficult start when it faces the Milwaukee Bucks.