Scottie Barnes outshines Kawhi Leonard as Raptors kick off season with rout of Bulls

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He was the last player introduced before the opening tip, a distinction reserved for the very best, and first player to welcome fans to Wednesday night’s regular-season curtain raiser.

Even with Kawhi Leonard making his official return to Toronto on a claw-themed T-shirt giveaway for each every ticket holder, the success or failure of this Raptors season falls squarely on the shoulders of Scottie Barnes, the face of the franchise who has grown into the role of on- and off-court leader.

As talented and as impactful as Leonard remains, the fact is he has already reached his ceiling. And let’s be blunt: His true significance won’t be felt until the regular season is in the books.

The way he started the season opener against the visiting Chicago Bulls, Leonard was already in his playoff mode, burying a three-pointer, dishing off an assist and recording a steal as the overmatched visitors were blitzed into submission in a 135-92 Raptors win.

The game was barely 90 seconds old before Chicago was forced to call a timeout following a frenetic 7-0 Raptors run.

Barnes settled into the background knowing the stage was reserved for Leonard. But it was Barnes who would address the crowd, an annual rite that will not be repeated until the home finale way down the road.

Barnes’ exulted crowd intro

“What it do, baby?” exclaimed Barnes. “On behalf of the team, we’re so excited about your support for the season. Let’s get it. Let’s go!”

And go they went, playing a selfless, aggressive and emphatic style of play that needs to be sustained. If it can, then this season may have the hallmarks of the last time Leonard suited up for the Raptors.

Sitting courtside for the occasion was Serge Ibaka, one of three former NBA defensive players of the year who formed the bedrock of Toronto’s 2019 championship roster.

There’s some of Ibaka’s defensive prowess in Barnes, who is a far more accomplished perimeter defender than Ibaka. Barnes doesn’t possess Ibaka’s size, but in certain matchups Barnes has shown to be more than adequate when asked to play centre.

Barnes’ overall game and continued maturity will be at the forefront of any Raptors renaissance this season. He didn’t attempt his first field goal until there was 3:25 remaining in the opening quarter, a testament to Barnes’ improved patience and keen ability to read the flow of a game.

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Careless foul by Barnes

Barnes scored quite easily on a mid-range turnaround jumper, would soon step into a three-pointer and then scored by attacking the rim on a nice cut following an equally nice pass from Collin Murray-Boyles.

With 49.8 seconds left in the first, Barnes committed a sloppy and unnecessary foul on a reach-in, his second in the period.

Barnes’ sixth season in the NBA is more than likely to include a post-season series win for the first time. Failure would be viewed as a major collapse.

For one night, the Raptors looked the part of legitimate contenders, even though their play came against a compromised Bulls team that did not strike fear into Toronto. At the end of the opening quarter, the Raptors were leading 43-23.

Almost lost in the Leonard hysteria was the shooting of Immanuel Quickley, who may finally realize his potential, assuming he can stay healthy. With Leonard taking up most of the oxygen and Barnes imposing his will at both ends, Quickley played with a freedom and confidence.

He missed the entire seven-game series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in last spring’s opening-round playoff matchup because of a bum hamstring.

Barrett picks up where he left off

In his first game of a new season, Quickley looked very good, as did RJ Barrett, who carried last spring’s high-level play into opening night.

Quietly, Barnes looked good Wednesday night before his presence reached another level. There will be nights when Barnes needs be elite, a level he’s more than capable of reaching.

More than anything, Leonard’s presence provides that instant and automatic boost of confidence. Barnes has never lacked confidence, but he has never had someone of Leonard’s ilk riding shotgun.

The most talented Raptors team during the Barnes era came in his rookie season when the likes of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanFleet and OG Anunoby were on the roster. This year’s edition provides Barnes with his best shot to make noise in the playoffs.

Leonard’s contract extension also provides a runway for Barnes to fully capitalized on his unique talents.

By halftime, Barnes had recorded 13 points, hauled down six rebounds and dished four assists, totals he reached with efficiency and relative ease. Zero fouls were committed by Barnes in the second quarter as another period would be won by the Raptors, who led 66-44 at the break.

Given all the pent-up energy following a long and controversial off-season, Leonard’s explosive start seemed predictable, but it was not sustainable and it would be reflected in his inability to make shots once the early game onslaught had subsided.

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Bulls feel Barnes’ impact

Once his feet were under him, Barnes emerged as the game’s best overall player. As long as he’s one of the Raptors’ best each and every night going forward, minus the occasional off night, a truly memorable campaign is within reach.

Wednesday’s cakewalk over the Bulls was a mere appetizer, the first step in a long and exhausting road for the Raptors, who embark on their first road trip beginning Friday night in Washington before heading to Minnesota on Sunday.

Beginning a season by routing an opponent, even if it came at the expense of the deploraBulls, will raise expectations.

More than anything, Barnes must be front and centre for the Raptors to reach their ceiling, allowing Leonard to play at his own pace and within the flow of a game.

He doesn’t have to be the Leonard version from Act 1 in Toronto because he fully understands there’s someone in Barnes who is capable of being better.

Of Leonard’s 23 points, 11 came from the charity stripe where he converted all 11 of his free throws. Barnes also netted 23 points as the two combined for 36 attempts from the field with Leonard missing 12 shots, while making five.

Given all the hype, he did not live up to the bloated expectations. He’ll have to be more efficient, which goes without saying.

fzicarelli@postmedia.com

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