Raptors Cap Off Championship Night With Win Over Pelicans

The new NBA season was graced by the awarding ceremony of last season’s champions and the Toronto Raptors received their rings and added the championship banner up in the rafters of Scotiabank Arena.

Gooooooooood morning, T.O. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/AUrxJQFiHq

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 23, 2019

A historic ring for a historic accomplishment. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/IZdkXQTj4B

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 22, 2019

Kyle Lowry addressed everyone with his speech before their opening game against the visiting New Orleans Pelicans who are missing their prized rookie Zion Williamson due to a knee injury.

Toronto escaped a cardiac finish in overtime to start their title defense on the right note, 130-122 behind the scoring barrage from Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet who both scored 34 points to power their team to triumph.

🏀 FINAL SCORE THREAD 🏀

Pascal Siakam (34 PTS, 18 REB) & Fred VanVleet (34 PTS, 7 AST) help the @Raptors prevail in OT against NOP! #KiaTipOff19 #WeTheNorth

Kyle Lowry: 22 PTS, 6 AST
Brandon Ingram: 22 PTS pic.twitter.com/rNlyDSTILB

— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2019

Besides from Siakam and VanVleet, veteran point guard Kyle Lowry produced 22 points, Serge Ibaka finished with 13 points and OG Anunoby added another 11 markers.

On the other hand for the retooled Pelicans, Brandon Ingram paced his new team with 22 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four other players scored in double-digits as J.J. Redick poured in 16 points, Josh Hart with 15, Nocolo Metti with 14 and Jrue Holiday added another 13 points.