The Raptors fell to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, dropping their season opener 98-83 as Bradley Beal and Co. put a damper on Toronto’s first game at Scotiabank Arena since Feb. 28, 2020.
Nick Nurse’s squad struggled offensively, shooting only 30.9 percent from the field and 7-for-34 from three-point range. Only three Raptors scored in double digits, with Fred VanVleet and rookie Scottie Barnes leading the team with 12 points each.
Beal flexed his offensive muscle with a game-high 23 points, while Montrezl Harrell dominated the paint with 22 points and nine rebounds.
While the Raptors may not have gotten off to the start they wanted, the anticipation leading up to the game, the atmosphere in the arena and some memorable moments on the court made this one of the most special home openers in recent years.