Raptors vs Hawks: RJ Barrett paces Toronto in 138–118 opener as Trae Young, Jalen Johnson lead Atlanta response

The Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks season opener delivered fireworks and a franchise milestone for Toronto, who set a new opening-night scoring mark in a 138–118 win. RJ Barrett headlined with 25 points, while a deep supporting cast turned defense into transition and the third quarter into a knockout run. For the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young and Jalen Johnson shared top-scoring honors with 22 apiece but couldn’t stem Toronto’s waves of paint touches and kick-outs.

RJ Barrett sets the tone; balanced Raptors overwhelm Atlanta

Toronto’s first half featured relentless rim pressure and quick sprays, and it only escalated after the break. With RJ Barrett attacking closeouts and finishing through contact, the Raptors opened driving lanes for their playmakers and shooters. Scottie Barnes added 22 points and 9 assists, orchestrating early-clock actions and punishing switches. Off the bench, Gradey Dick supplied instant offense with 19 and timely threes that stretched the Hawks’ shell.

The debut spotlight also found Brandon Ingram, who chipped in 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals—steady two-way minutes that helped stabilize second units and keep the tempo high. Toronto shot 57% from the field and a blistering 69% on two-pointers, reflecting a night-long advantage at the rim and on cuts.

Third-quarter avalanche decides Raptors vs Hawks

Up nine late in the third, the Raptors uncorked a 14–0 burst that ballooned the margin to 23 and effectively sealed it. Five different Raptors scored in the run, with Dick’s shot-making and Barrett’s downhill pressure anchoring the surge. From there, Toronto managed the clock, won the glass in key moments, and muted any late push.

Hawks’ takeaways: Jalen Johnson’s all-around line, Trae Young’s volume under pressure

Despite the lopsided final, Atlanta Hawks fans saw promising signs. Jalen Johnson delivered a near all-around gem: 22 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, flashing the on-ball creation and pace-pushing that could define his leap. Trae Young also scored 22, but faced heavy contests (1-of-7 from three) as Toronto’s guards mixed pressure at the level with quick rear-view chases. In his Atlanta debut, Kristaps Porziņģis posted 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, offering pick-and-pop gravity and rim deterrence the Hawks will lean on.

Where Atlanta struggled: transition defense and second phases. Toronto repeatedly turned live-ball stops into numbers, then converted loose rebounds around the foul line into back-breaking put-backs or sprays to shooters.

Box score snapshot: Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks player stats (leaders)

Toronto Raptors

• RJ Barrett: 25 PTS

• Scottie Barnes: 22 PTS, 9 AST

• Gradey Dick: 19 PTS (bench boost)

• Brandon Ingram: 16 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL

Atlanta Hawks

• Jalen Johnson: 22 PTS, 8 AST, 7 REB

• Trae Young: 22 PTS (1–7 3PT)

• Kristaps Porziņģis: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK

Team notes:

• Raptors: 57% FG, 69% on 2PT attempts; decisive edge in transition conversion.

• Hawks: Competitive on the offensive glass in stretches; turnovers and scramble defense proved costly during Toronto’s third-quarter run.

Why it mattered for both sides

For Toronto, the opener showcased a multi-pronged shot diet—rim pressure from Barrett, advantage creation from Barnes, spacing punch from Dick, and a steady debut from Ingram. That blend reduces the need for hero-ball late and scales to tougher defenses.

For Atlanta, the blueprint revolves around clean exits into offense (first-pass accuracy after rebounds/steals), better floor balance to protect against early-clock attacks, and leveraging Johnson’s playmaking to diversify beyond high pick-and-rolls for Trae Young. Integrating Porziņģis as a trailer and short-roll hub should also ease pressure on the guards.

What’s next on the schedule

• Toronto Raptors: return home to face a top-tier opponent next (schedule subject to change).

• Atlanta Hawks: quick turnaround on the road in a back-to-back set, a chance to reset effort plays and transition coverage.

Quick analytics lens

• Paint touches vs. paint points: Toronto’s advantage began with touches—collapsing coverage to create high-value shots and free throws, not just post finishes.

• Run prevention: Atlanta’s third-quarter drought coincided with two live-ball giveaways and one long rebound that turned into corner threes—exactly the sequence the Raptors hunt.

• Swing piece going forward: If Jalen Johnson sustains this usage and efficiency, the Hawks can attack from both elbows and the slot, reducing predictability and unlocking Trae Young as an off-ball threat.

The opener goes to Toronto—emphatically—behind RJ Barrett and a deep rotation that played on the front foot. For Atlanta, the film offers a clear path: tighten the transition valve, smooth the passing chains, and keep building around Johnson’s two-way engine.