Barrett and Ingram help the Raptors cruise past the Bulls 139-109

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Chicago Bulls center Jalen Smith, center, battles for a ball against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl, left, and forward Brandon Ingram during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Bulls center Nick Richards, right, and forward Matas Buzelis, left, guard Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) — Chicago Bulls center Jalen Smith, center, battles for a ball against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl, left, and forward Brandon Ingram during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

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10:34 PM on Wednesday, March 18

By JAY COHEN

CHICAGO (AP) — RJ Barrett scored 23 points, Brandon Ingram had 18 and the Toronto Raptors pounded the Chicago Bulls 139-109 on Wednesday night for their third consecutive win.

Toronto shot 57% (48 for 84) from the field and put seven players in double figures in the opener of a five-game trip. Scottie Barnes had 18 points and seven rebounds, and Ja’Kobe Walter also scored 18.

The Raptors led by as many as 38 while completing a sweep of their three-game season series against the Bulls.

Matas Buzelis scored 19 points for Chicago, which lost for the third time in four games. Collin Sexton had 14 in his return from a left leg injury.

Bulls guard Josh Giddey was held to nine points, three assists and no rebounds. The 23-year-old Giddey had been on a tear, posting five triple-doubles while averaging 19 points, 12 assists and 11.7 rebounds over his previous seven games.

Toronto put together a fast start, shooting 60% on its way to a 72-45 lead at the break. Barrett scored 14 points in the first half, and Ingram had 13 on 6-for-6 shooting.

Chicago closed to 53-41 on Sexton's three-point play with 5:20 left in the second quarter, but Toronto responded with a 17-2 run. Barrett's reverse layup made it 70-43 with 1:08 left.

The sluggish Bulls shot 38.5% in the first half and committed 11 turnovers, leading to 20 points for the Raptors.

Jakob Poeltl finished with 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds for Toronto. Sandro Mamukelashvili also scored 17.

Up next

Raptors: At the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Bulls: Host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.

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