TORONTO (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points in his return to Toronto, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley also had 23 apiece and the Raptors routed the Chicago Bulls 135-92 on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams.
RJ Barrett added 20 points and Ja’Kobe Walter had 10 for the Raptors, who never trailed.
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Toronto Raptors' RJ Barrett (9) dunks as Chicago Bulls' Caleb Wilson (8) and Isaac Okoro (35) look on during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Chicago Bulls' Tre Jones (30) drives as Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes (4) smiles as he walks off the court at the end of first half NBA basketball action against the Chicago Bulls in Toronto on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Chicago Bulls' Jalen Smith (25) fouls Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard (2) protects the ball from Chicago Bulls' Buddy Hield (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Leonard shot 5 for 17, including 2 of 6 from 3-point range, but went 11 for 11 at the free-throw line. The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year had four of Toronto’s 15 steals before checking out with 8:12 remaining in the final quarter.
The Bulls committed 27 turnovers, leading to 35 points for the Raptors. Chicago rookie Caleb Wilson had nine turnovers in his NBA debut.
Toronto scored almost as many points in the first quarter (43) as the Bulls had in the opening half (44).
Matas Buzelis scored 17 points for the Bulls and Wilson had 16. Norman Powell and Jaylin Smith each added 15.
Wilson shot 7 for 21 and went 1 for 8 from long distance.
The Bulls combined to shoot 4 for 36 from 3-point range. Powell, who went 2 of 6, was the only Chicago player to make more than one.
Leonard connected for a 3 on his first shot, then missed his next eight attempts before hitting a pull-up jumper late in the second.
Leonard was traded from San Antonio to Toronto before the 2018-19 season. He helped the Raptors win the NBA championship that season before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Toronto reacquired Leonard in an offseason trade after a salary cap-circumvention scandal that led to massive sanctions against the Clippers.
Former NBA star Serge Ibaka, Leonard’s teammate on that 2019 Raptors championship team, watched from a courtside seat opposite the Toronto bench.
Bulls: At Milwaukee on Friday.
Raptors: At Washington on Friday.
See AP’s full NBA coverage here
Toronto Raptors' RJ Barrett (9) dunks as Chicago Bulls' Caleb Wilson (8) and Isaac Okoro (35) look on during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Chicago Bulls' Tre Jones (30) drives as Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes (4) smiles as he walks off the court at the end of first half NBA basketball action against the Chicago Bulls in Toronto on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Chicago Bulls' Jalen Smith (25) fouls Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard (2) protects the ball from Chicago Bulls' Buddy Hield (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
NEW YORK & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 22, 2026--
American Express ® (NYSE: AXP) and Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB) today announced an exclusive partnership, bringing over one million Airbnb listings around the world to Amex Travel, significantly expanding the ways eligible U.S. Card Members can plan, book, and earn rewards for travel.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261022795632/en/
Beginning today, eligible U.S. Card Members can now book stays with Airbnb through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and earn Membership Rewards ® points on prepaid bookings. The addition of Airbnb gives Card Members more choice in where and how they stay, from city apartments to family homes to premium private residences, complementing American Express’ existing hotel offerings. Additionally, U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members can now earn the annual $600 Lodging Credit (up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually), previously known as the $600 Hotel Credit, when they book an eligible Airbnb Luxe home with Airbnb through Amex Travel online for two nights or more. They can also unlock access to a new $250 statement credit annually on eligible Airbnb Experiences purchases after making a qualifying Airbnb Luxe booking with Airbnb through Amex Travel online.
“Travel is personal and where our Card Members choose to stay is personal,” said Howard Grosfield, Group President, U.S. Consumer Services at American Express. “By partnering with Airbnb, we’re giving Card Members more choice alongside the rewards, service and exceptional value that define American Express Membership.”
“Guests come to Airbnb for the variety — a loft for a solo trip, a house for a reunion, a Luxe villa for a milestone trip, and the experiences that fill the days in between," said Juan David Borrero, Head of Partnerships at Airbnb. "We're excited to bring more choice and flexibility to American Express Card Members with this exclusive partnership. Both of our companies exist to help people travel more and better, and this partnership helps people see more of the world by making travel more rewarding.”
More Choice Through Amex Travel
Eligible U.S. Card Members can book over one million global Airbnb listings with Airbnb through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App TM, from beach houses and family homes to private island escapes, castles, locations for corporate retreats and more. The addition of Airbnb expands the range of options available through Amex Travel, complementing American Express’ existing hotel offerings, including a curated portfolio of more than 3,400 properties across 116 countries through its Fine Hotels + Resorts ® and The Hotel Collection programs.
After booking, Card Members can view their trip on the Amex Travel platform. Card Members must use the Airbnb platform to manage their stay after booking, including messaging their host, adding co-travelers, making changes, or getting support.
New Ways to Earn Membership Rewards Points
The partnership gives eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Card Members more flexibility to choose the stay that works for their trip while earning Membership Rewards points:
Together, these new earning opportunities expand the ways Card Members can earn Membership Rewards points across a wider range of stays.
New Platinum Card Benefits with Airbnb Luxe Bookings
Card Members can also book a selection of Airbnb Luxe homes with Airbnb through Amex Travel online. Airbnb Luxe offers exceptional private homes in sought-after destinations around the world, each selected by Airbnb for its quality, design and distinctive setting. Airbnb Luxe gives Card Members another premium option for trips when space, privacy or a one-of-a-kind setting matters most.
U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members who book Airbnb Luxe stays with Airbnb through Amex Travel online can access additional benefits:
Terms apply. Learn more about American Express Platinum Card benefits and the Consumer Classic Green.
*Certain Experience bookings that direct you from Airbnb to a third-party partner platform to make the purchase are not eligible.
SELLER OF TRAVEL
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information, visit https://www.americanexpress.com/travelterms .
California CST#1022318; Washington UBI#600-469-694
ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services, and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.
Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. We seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations, and we build and manage relationships with millions of merchants across our global network.
For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.com, americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/, and ir.americanexpress.com.
ABOUT AIRBNB
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5.5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays, experiences, and services that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.
American Express and Airbnb Launch Exclusive Partnership
American Express and Airbnb Launch Exclusive Partnership
