Chicago Bulls centre Jalen Smith, centre, battles for a ball against Toronto Raptors centre Jakob Poeltl, left, and forward Brandon Ingram during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
The Raptors cruise past Bulls in emphatic fashion on Wednesday night, delivering a commanding 139-109 victory that showcased both depth and efficiency. With contributions flowing across the roster and a red-hot shooting display, Toronto extended its winning streak to three games while maintaining complete control from start to finish.
Fast Start Sets the Tone Early
Toronto wasted little time asserting dominance, racing into the game with sharp ball movement and clinical finishing. The team shot an impressive 60 percent in the first half, building a commanding 72-45 lead by halftime that left Chicago struggling to keep pace.
RJ Barrett led the early charge with 14 first-half points, while Brandon Ingram complemented him perfectly, scoring 13 on a flawless 6-for-6 shooting. Their rhythm helped Toronto dictate tempo, forcing Chicago into hurried possessions and defensive lapses.
Depth Powers Toronto’s Offense
As the game progressed, the Raptors’ strength in depth became increasingly evident, with seven players reaching double figures. Barrett finished with a team-high 23 points, while Ingram added 18 in a composed offensive display.
Scottie Barnes contributed 18 points along with seven rebounds, and Ja’Kobe Walter matched that scoring output. Jakob Poeltl anchored the interior with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Sandro Mamukelashvili also chipped in 17 points.
This balanced attack allowed Toronto to stretch the lead to as much as 38 points, highlighting their ability to maintain intensity even as rotations shifted.
Bulls Struggle to Find Rhythm
Chicago, on the other hand, found it difficult to establish any consistency throughout the contest. Matas Buzelis led the scoring effort with 19 points, but the team struggled collectively, shooting just 38.5 percent in the first half.
Collin Sexton, returning from a left leg injury, added 14 points, yet the Bulls were unable to generate sustained momentum. Turnovers proved costly, as 11 first-half giveaways directly translated into 20 points for Toronto.
Josh Giddey, who had been in exceptional form entering the game, was effectively contained. After a recent run of triple-doubles and strong all-around performances, he was limited to just nine points, three assists, and no rebounds, marking a sharp dip in impact.
Decisive Second-Quarter Surge
A brief spark from Chicago saw them cut the deficit to 53-41 midway through the second quarter, raising hopes of a potential comeback. However, Toronto responded immediately with a decisive 17-2 run that effectively ended the contest as a competitive affair.
Barrett’s reverse layup late in the half pushed the margin back to 27 points, reinforcing Toronto’s grip on the game and silencing any momentum the Bulls had begun to build.
Momentum Builds for Toronto
With this win, the Raptors not only completed a season-series sweep over Chicago but also carried valuable momentum into the start of a five-game road trip. The performance reflected a team finding rhythm at the right time, combining offensive efficiency with disciplined execution.
For the Bulls, the loss marked their third in four games, raising concerns about consistency and defensive stability. As both teams move forward, Toronto will look to sustain this form, while Chicago must regroup quickly to regain balance and competitiveness.
