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Published Oct 22, 2025 • 4 minute read
Forward Brandon Ingram made his Raptors debut
Forward Brandon Ingram made his Raptors debut on Oct. 22, 2025 in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. Photo by Mike Stewart /The Associated Press
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Brandon Ingram didn’t have one of those break-out moments in his long-awaited debut with the Raptors as the long and versatile wing appeared in his first NBA game in almost a year following an ankle injury.
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His overall game was hard to overlook, as was his presence.
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In terms of debuts, Ingram was fine knowing much more awaits for a player who has the potential to change the trajectory of a Raptors team that looked pretty good in a season-opening 138-118 victory over the host Atlanta Hawks.
RJ Barrett led the first unit, while Gradey Dick came off the bench to help spark Toronto’s reserves.
Defensively, the Raptors were true to their word in wanting to be aggressive.
Offensively, the team’s three-point efficiency must improve, but when ball movement leads to good looks, when assertive drives are executed and empty possessions mitigated, it’s hard to find fault in Toronto’s style.
In transition and in the half court, the Raptors executed, at times at a very high level.
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If one wants to quibble, one can point to how Scottie Barnes, who officially begins his fifth season, needs to somehow find a jumper, if that’s even possible.
With Ingram on board, Barnes doesn’t have to jack up outside shots knowing he can use his frame and vision out of the mid-post to do his damage.
He was extremely efficient.
The following are three takeaways from the Raptors’ win on a night the visitors poured in 45 points in the third quarter at State Farm Arena to set a franchise record for most points in a season opener.
FOUL MOOD
Almost from the opening tap, the whining could be heard as the Raptors did not receive the benefit of the whistle.
What’s lost in this discussion is how teams must establish a style that puts pressure on the officials to make a call.
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When too many perimeter heaves are attempted, it’s no wonder why trips to the line are made.
Once the Raptors attacked the basket, they were rewarded as the foul disparity no longer became an issue.
It became a complete non-factor when the Raptors began to create separation from a Hawks team whose spirit seemed to sag as the lead swelled.
The point remains that the Raptors must be as aggressive in attacking the basket as they are in playing with an aggressive edge on defence.
SIZING UP THE BENCH
Darko Rajakovic made his first substitution with 6:39 remaining in the opening quarter when he inserted Dick, Ochai Abaji and Sandro Mamukelashvili, who was making his Raptors debut.
Mamukelashvili provides size, Dick’s shooting allows the floor to be spread, while Abaji’s biggest asset is his defence.
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Good ball movement led to an open baseline look for Dick, who missed.
He quickly made amends on the ensuing possession by drilling a three-pointer off a nice feed from Immanuel Quickley.
Mamukelashvili has an under-rated jumper and he used it to bury a three-ball.
What he needs to do is play defence without fouling, but he wasn’t alone.
Atlanta attempted 15 free throws with 1:23 left in the period.
The Raptors did not attempt their first free throw until there were 25.9 seconds remaining on an aggressive drive by Dick.
Toronto went deep into its bench the deeper the night unfolded.
The second unit acquitted itself well with second-year backup point guard Jamal Shead showcasing his leadership and fearlessness, trait he demonstrated during his rookie season.
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Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles (forearm) and Ja’Kobe Walter (illness) were unavailable.
D IS THE KEY
Right from the jump, it was clear what type of defensive approach the Raptors want to embrace.
Teams normally pick up ball handlers in the half court and on occasion in the full court when trying to establish a quicker pace.
Against the Hawks, the Raptors decided to extend their defence by picking up their man at mid-court.
The starting group looked to be in sync other than allowing a driving Kristaps Porzingis, who was making his Hawks debut following an off-season trade from Boston, to get to the rim.
Young was a threat, but he’s always a threat with the ball in his hands.
Three minutes into the game and the Raptors had picked up their third foul, which speaks to their aggressiveness.
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Offensively, both teams wanted to play fast, highlighting each team’s identity.
On Toronto’s opening set, Barrett exercised poor judgment in trying to execute a baseline pass that led to a turnover.
One glaring observation involved Jakob Poeltl and his lack of touches.
Poeltl fouled out in 22 minutes.
UP NEXT
The Raptors play their home opener Friday when the Bucks and the Greek Freak pay a visit to Scotiabank Arena (6:30 p.m.); tipoff originally was scheduled for 7:30 p.m., but was moved up in a nod to Game 1 of the World Series. The game will be the 31st home opener for the Raptors — their very first game was held at the venue once known as SkyDome.
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