NEWS
Pöltl's Raptors Roll Over Chicago Bulls in NBA Opener
The Canadian team shows strong performance and takes the lead in the Eastern Conference.
Austria's basketball star Jakob Pöltl and the Toronto Raptors celebrate a fabulous NBA opener.
On the first day of the new season, the Canadian team wins 135:92 against the Chicago Bulls. The Raptors got off to a perfect start in the first quarter, scoring almost as many points (43) as the Bulls did in the entire first half (44).
Scottie Barnes, returning Kawhi Leonard, and Immanuel Quickley were instrumental for the hosts, each scoring 23 points. Pöltl contributed three points and six rebounds to the game. The Bulls' best player was 22-year-old Matas Buzelis, who scored 17 points.
Next game against Wizards
The victory puts Toronto at the top of the Eastern Conference, but they must defend this lead in two days: Pöltl & Co. will then visit the Washington Wizards and superstar Anthony Davis, who defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in a close game on the first day.
Other games saw victories for the Los Angeles Lakers (127:105 vs. Golden State Warriors), the Houston Rockets, and the Memphis Grizzlies, among others. The Minnesota Timberwolves also prevailed against the Miami Heat, featuring new addition Giannis Antetokounmpo. Anthony Edwards scored 45 points in the 131:106 victory.
