Raptors win season opener over Hawks by 20 points

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Brandon Ingram didn't have any of those breakout moments in his long-awaited debut with the Raptors, as the long and versatile forward appeared in his first NBA game in nearly a year since injuring his ankle.

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His overall performance was hard to miss, as was his presence.

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As far as debuts go, Ingram was OK with the knowledge that a player who has the potential to change the trajectory of a Raptors team that looked pretty good in a 138-118 season opener would be in line for a win over the host Atlanta Hawks.

R.J. Barrett led the first unit, with Grady Dick coming off the bench to help spark Toronto's reserves.

Defensively, the Raptors kept their word, wanting to be aggressive.

Offensively, the three-point team's efficiency should improve, but when ball movement leads to good looks, when shots are made with force and empty possessions are minimized, it's hard to find fault with Toronto's style.

In transition and in the half court, the Raptors executed the game, at times at a very high level.

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If anyone wants to nitpick, it can be pointed out that Scotty Barnes, who is officially entering his fifth season, needs to find a jumper somehow, if at all possible.

With Ingram on board, Barnes doesn't have to take shots from the outside, knowing he can use his frame and vision from the middle post to do damage.

He was extremely effective.

Below are three takeaways from the Raptors' victory that night, when the visitors scored 45 points in the third quarter at State Farm Arena, setting a franchise record for most points in a season opener.

BAD MOOD

There was a whine almost from the first kick as the Raptors didn't get the benefit of the whistle.

What gets lost in this discussion is how teams should develop a style that will put pressure on the judges to make bets.

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When too many perimeter climbs are attempted, it is no wonder why trips to the line are made.

Once the Raptors attacked the basket, they were rewarded as the foul disparity was no longer an issue.

That became a completely unimportant factor as the Raptors began to pull away from a Hawks team whose spirit seemed to fade as the lead grew.

The bottom line remains that the Raptors must be just as aggressive in attacking the basket as they are in playing with an aggressive edge on defense.

BENCH SIZE

Darko Rajakovic made his first substitution with 6:39 left in the first quarter when he replaced Dick, Okhai Abaji and Sandro Mamukelashvili, who was making his Raptors debut.

Mamukelashvili provides size, Dick's shooting allows him to spread the floor, and Abaji's biggest advantage is his defense.

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Good ball movement led to Dick's open look towards the baseline, but he missed.

He quickly made up for the ensuing possession with a 3-pointer off a nice feed from Immanuel Quickley.

Mamukelashvili has an underrated jumper and used it to score a triple.

What he needs to do is play defense without fouling, but he wasn't alone.

Atlanta made 15 free throws with 1:23 left in the period.

The Raptors didn't make their first free throw until Dick's aggressive drive had 25.9 seconds remaining.

Toronto went deeper into its bench as the night unfolded.

The second unit performed well, with second-year backup point guard Jamal Sheed showing his leadership and fearlessness, qualities he showed in his rookie season.

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Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles (forearm) and Ja'Kobe Walter (illness) were unavailable.

D – KEY

From the jump, it was clear what type of defense the Raptors wanted to play.

Teams typically select ball carriers in the half court and sometimes the full court when trying to establish a faster tempo.

Against the Hawks, the Raptors decided to expand their defense by playing their guard at center.

The starting group seemed to be in sync, except for allowing driver Kristaps Porzingis, who was making his Hawks debut after an offseason trade from Boston, to get to the rim.

Young was a threat, but he is always a threat with the ball in his hands.

The Raptors picked up their third foul three minutes into the game, showing they were aggressive.

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In attack, both teams wanted to play quickly, highlighting each team's individuality.

In Toronto's first set, Barrett showed poor judgment while attempting a baseline pass that resulted in a turnover.

One striking observation concerned Jakob Poeltl and his lack of touch.

Poeltl fouled in the 22nd minute.

NEXT

The Raptors play their home opener Friday when the Bucks and Greek Freak visit Scotiabank Arena (6:30 p.m.); Tipoff was originally scheduled for 7:30 p.m., but was moved as a sign of respect for Game 1 of the World Series. The game will be the Raptors' 31st home game, with their very first game played at the stadium once known as the SkyDome.

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