One night into 2026-27, coverage of the Raptors has settled on three threads: how long Kawhi Leonard needs, who carries the load until he gets there, and whether a 43-point win says anything about the defense. Toronto's own numbers support some of that talk more firmly than the rest.
Greatness on a Clock
The Athletic, the Toronto Star's Dave Feschuk and Michael Grange of Sportsnet all built pieces around Leonard's line that you can't rush greatness, and Feschuk argued the Raptors can afford to wait. Josh Lewenberg, writing for TSN, called it a rusty re-debut and pointed to an uncharacteristic 5-for-17. The box score backs both readings. Leonard missed 12 shots, but he went 11-for-11 at the line, had four steals, committed no turnovers and was done after 24 minutes. Toronto can afford the wait for a second reason. The injury report lists only Nate Bittle, whose foot is expected to keep him out until October 28, and next up is Washington, a 17-65 team last season.
The Help Arrived
Lewenberg's larger point was that this only works if Toronto does not lean on Leonard, and that the 2019 team managed his workload because others stepped up. Sportsnet's Zulfi Sheikh centered the night on Immanuel Quickley, who finished +38 with 23 points, seven assists and no turnovers. Leonard, Quickley, Barnes and Barrett each scored at least 20, and Barrett went 8-for-14. The bench added 40, with Ja'Kobe Walter contributing 10 points and three steals; Hoops Rumors reported this week that Toronto picked up his 2027-28 option. Lewenberg also noted that rookie Allen Graves got the game ball after his NBA debut. What the night cannot show yet is depth under pressure. The regulars played 24 to 28 minutes in a game Toronto led by as many as 48.
Insane Is a Big Word
Raptors Republic went furthest. Esfandiar Baraheni's headline declared this defense is going to be insane, and Louis Zatzman wrote that the Raptors are trying to tell us something. One game gives them material: Chicago never led, the game had zero lead changes, and Caleb Wilson committed nine turnovers. There is also a track record. Last season Toronto's defensive rating of 112.1 ranked fifth in the league, while the offense trailed at 115.0. The claim is plausible, but it is not proven. Matas Buzelis got 13 of his 17 points at the free-throw line, and a rout of a rebuilding Bulls roster tells you less than a full week of games will.
How did Kawhi Leonard play in his first game back with the Raptors?
He scored 23 points on 5-for-17 shooting against Chicago, made all 11 of his free throws and had four steals in 24 minutes.
When do the Raptors play the Wizards?
Toronto plays at Washington on October 23, two days after beating the Bulls 135-92.
