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The Raptors experienced their first running with the Bulls, who have redefined the definition of playing with pace in today’s three-point happy NBA.
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While the Raptors’ youthful presence and free-wheeling style is more than conducive to playing in the full court, Chicago takes it to a different level.
Neither team is good and the game’s three best players weren’t even available because of injury in the Bulls’ 122-121 win over the Raptors.
Entertainment-wise, Monday night’s matchup was more than passable, even when there were unwatcha-Bull moments.
When a team such as Chicago wants to push the pace to the extreme limit, a team such as Toronto must get back on defence.
Early in the evening, the Raptors showed no willingness in getting back in transition.
When they did, they were much more competitive.
Toronto’s lack of transition defence clearly ticked off head coach Darko Rajakovic, who was forced to call his fourth timeout two minutes into the second half.
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Still, the game would be decided in the final minutes, set up by Toronto’s increased defensive intensity.
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Of RJ Barrett’s eight 30-point games this season, seven have been posted at home, including Monday’s 32-point effort.
Twice the Raptors had a chance to tie it late, but empty possessions led to a 122-121 Chicago win.
The Raptors allowed too many runs by the Bulls in yielding 33 first-quarter points.
Toronto’s defence picked up in the second quarter, but still trailed 53-50 at halftime.
Whether it was poor transition defence, sloppy turnovers that led to Chicago points, the Raptors were forced to play from their heels in the third quarter when the Bulls forged a double-digit advantage.
A key moment arrived with 4:49 left in the period when Josh Giddey left the game with an ankle injury.
At the time, the Bulls were in control with Giddey flirting with a triple-double.
Three minutes into the fourth quarter Jakob Poeltl left the game for the Raptors with a left groin injury.
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