Barrett and Ingram help the Raptors cruise past the Bulls 139-109
CHICAGO (AP) — RJ Barrett scored 23 points, Brandon Ingram had 18 and the Toronto Raptors pounded the Chicago Bulls 139-109 on Wednesday night for their third consecutive win. Toronto shot 57% (48 for 84) from the field and put seven players in double figures in the opener of a five-game trip. Scottie Barnes had 18 points and seven rebounds, and Ja’Kobe Walter also scored 18.
The Raptors led by as many as 38 while completing a sweep of their three-game season series against the Bulls. Matas Buzelis scored 19 points for Chicago, which lost for the third time in four games. Collin Sexton had 14 in his return from a left leg injury .
Bulls guard Josh Giddey was held to nine points, three assists and no rebounds. The 23-year-old Giddey had been on a tear, posting five triple-doubles while averaging 19 points, 12 assists and 11. 7 rebounds over his previous seven games.
Toronto put together a fast start, shooting 60% on its way to a 72-45 lead at the break. Barrett scored 14 points in the first half, and Ingram had 13 on 6-for-6 shooting. Chicago closed to 53-41 on Sexton's three-point play with 5:20 left in the second quarter, but Toronto responded with a 17-2 run.
Barrett's reverse layup made it 70-43 with 1:08 left. The sluggish Bulls shot 38. 5% in the first half and committed 11 turnovers, leading to 20 points for the Raptors.