For the first time since the 2026 NBA Finals, NBA basketball returned, as the Toronto Raptors played this summer's first preseason game Saturday night against the Miami Heat. That meant, of course, that a Duke alum was in action, former No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett.
Barrett impressed in limited action, tying his teammate Tyreke Key with a game-high 15 points in 17 minutes. Barrett knocked down two 3-pointers and got to the free-throw line often, sinking seven of eight shots from the charity stripe. The former Blue Devil also added three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Unfortunately for Toronto, they trailed for 97 percent of the game and ultimately lost in blowout fashion, 129-105. More Duke alumni are set to take the floor soon, as Tyus
Jones and Marvin Bagley III are expected to play Sunday, Oct. 4 when the Denver Nuggets take on the Utah Jazz. Cameron Boozer's first preseason matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies will come a day later, Monday, Oct. 5.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Former Duke Blue Devil leads all scorers as NBA basketball returns
