It only took one game for RJ Barrett to convince Raptors that he's a keeper

"Does it get any better than a 138-118 victory, folks? It's a new franchise record for most points scored in a season opener, and they did it on the road against a Hawks team that could be considered the Raptors' most formidable Eastern Conference foe. You absolutely love to see it. Toronto delivered an absolutely dominant performance to start the 2025-26 season, but if anyone is smiling ear-to-ear after the night they had, it's got to be RJ Barrett."

"Following the 2025 trade deadline and well into the offseason, RJ Barrett's future in Toronto became a major talking point. With a contract extension on the horizon and questions about how well the "Maple Mamba" could thrive within the Raptors' revamped roster, many believed he would be re-routed elsewhere. The prevailing expectation was not a matter of if he would be traded, but rather when. Yet here we are in October, with a new season now underway, and Barrett remains with his home franchise despite all the trade buzz and uncertainty."

"His work against Atlanta should serve as a clear sign to skeptics - whether it's Raptors management, fans, or the broader basketball community - that he can still make a significant impact and is an important part of Toronto's future. Barrett logged nearly 30 minutes of on-court run, where he recorded these impressive stats against the Hawks: 25 points on 9-for-12 field goal shooting, 50% from three ( going 2-for-4), perfect from the free-throw line ( 5-for-5), eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals."

The Toronto Raptors opened the 2025-26 season with a 138-118 road victory over the Atlanta Hawks, setting a franchise record for most points in a season opener. RJ Barrett played nearly 30 minutes and posted 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting, 50% from three, perfect free throws, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Barrett remained with the Raptors despite extensive trade speculation after the 2025 deadline, and his performance against Atlanta counters doubts about his fit with the revamped roster. Atlanta defender Dyson Daniels encountered quick foul trouble while guarding Barrett, limiting the Hawks' defensive effectiveness.

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