Best moments from Raptors' wild season-opening win over Cavs

The Raptors opened their season on Wednesday with a nail-biting win, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-105. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s game-high 31 points, all five of Toronto’s starters scored 15+, propelling them to 1-0 to start their 2022-23 campaign.

Nick Nurse’s squad looked polished on both ends of the floor, specifically on the offensive end. On top of the aforementioned balanced scoring attack, the Raptors shot 43.3% from beyond the arc and outscored the Cavaliers in the fourth quarter 32-21.

Starting off the season with a win against an elite Eastern Conference foe made for a night inundated with memorable moments. Here were the best of the bunch.

Pre-game festivities

The zealous atmosphere inside Scotiabank Arena elevated the team in ways very few fanbases across the league can, proving why Toronto has possibly the best home-court advantage in the NBA.

The Raptors were extolled in front of a sold out Scotiabank arena, a feat that is now mundane for the team. Fred VanVleet addressed the rowdy crowd prior to the game, telling them he's “looking forward to a great year; let’s have fun.”

The 2022-23 Raptors were then introduced for the first time, with hometown favourite Dalano Banton and newly acquired Juancho Hernangomez garnering the loudest applause amongst the reserves. Precious Achiuwa also stood out — for being startled by the arena’s fireworks.

Upon announcing the team’s starters, it was evident that the city was eager to laud last year’s Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes.

Christian Kolok's NBA debut

Alongside Achiuwa, Koloko, 22, was the first Raptor to come off the bench. The Cameroon native checked in about half way through the first quarter and received a rousing applause. Koloko played 15 minutes and finished with three points and six rebounds.

Upon checking his phone after the game, the rookie was incredulous to the number of texts he received from friends and family back home.

It was also fitting that Koloko’s first NBA basket came off a putback from Siakam’s miss, considering his preseason bucket was assisted from his fellow Cameroon teammate, too.

Curing the second-quarter woes

The Raptors’ worst quarter last season was the second but in game one of this year’s campaign, Toronto outscored Cleveland 35-23. This impressive run also included a 13-0 spurt midway through.

Spicy P's dominant first half

At this year’s media day, Pascal Siakam revealed that he wants to be recognized as a top-five player in the NBA. If the first half of Wednesday’s season opener portended anything, it’s that the 28-year-old is well on his way.

Despite Toronto trailing 57-51 at halftime, Siakam appeared to be in midseason form. The All-Star put up 15 points, nine rebounds, and three steals in 18 minutes of action.

Head coach Nick Nurse lauded Siakam for being the “most ready” heading into training camp this season, therefore it should come as no surprise that he hit the ground running to start the year.

Toronto's balanced scoring attack

All five of the Raptors’ starters scored 15+ points, with Siakam leading the way with 23. Moreover, every single Raptors starter knocked down a three, led by Gary Trent Jr. and VanVleet with four and three triples, respectively.

Toronto is set to play the Brooklyn Nets on Friday at Barclays Center.

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