The Toronto Raptors just dropped to 1-2 on the season following a 103-95 defeat at the hands of Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. The early returns of the season have been somewhat of a mixed bag for Toronto. Prior to their recently concluded loss to Dallas, the Raptors absolutely manhandled the Boston Celtics on the road with a 32-point drubbing. On opening night, playing in front of the home crowd for the first time in one-and-a-half year, Toronto fell flat to the Washington Wizards.

The season is just three games in and there is still a long way to go, but the Raptors have shown a glimpse of what kind of team they will be this 2021-22 campaign. With that said, here are three takeaways for Toronto through their first three games of the new season.

3 Raptors Takeaways

1. Raptors have a gem in Scottie Barnes

When Adam Silver announced Scottie Barnes as the no. 4 overall pick, this instantly drew a mixed reaction from NBA analysts and fans. Most draft boards pegged Jalen Suggs as the 4th pick, but the Raptors ended up taking the 20-year old forward they fell in love with during their draft workouts. Now, three games into his NBA career, it seems like Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster struck gold with Barnes.

Of course, the highlight game of Barnes' young career so far was his 25-point, 13-rebound explosion in their win over the Celtics on Friday. Through three games, the 6-foot-8 wing is averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds on 52.3 percent shooting from the field. That's as solid a start for any NBA debutant.

In the Boston game, Barnes showcased flashes of just about everything he can do–with his scoring, shooting, playmaking, hustle, disruptiveness and length on the defensive end in full display. Barnes has also shown a great feel for the game, which is a welcoming sight for a someone just starting out his professional career. Though it isn't perfect, Barnes seems to have a great understanding of where to be on the floor at the right time.

Raptors fans have every right to be excited about their prized rookie.

2. Toronto can be disruptive defensively

In two of the three games, head coach Nick Nurse has rolled with a starting unit consisting of Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, O.G. Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa. That is a five-man lineup that could be a nightmare for opposing offenses. Looking at their personnel, Toronto seems to have an endless supply of these lengthy, switchable wings.

At their peak, the Raptors could be overwhelming and disruptive with their defense. They certainly looked their best in that win over Boston and during some portions against the Mavs. Their long arms and activity should force a lot of turnovers and also make up for their lack of size up front. This will eventually translate to generating the best way Toronto can earn their points on the other end.

3. Raptors are at their best offensively when they get downhill

In connection to their disruptive defense, Toronto should be at their best offensively when they get out into the open floor and generate easy and quick buckets on the break. In their three games so far, the Raptors have won the battle in fastbreak points. With their personnel of athletic wings running the floor, a fast-paced, run-and-gun offense could be their main offensive identity this season–even when Pascal Siakam returns from injury.

Toronto has struggled on their half court offense so far this season. They have shot just a combined 37.6 percent from the field and 26.4 percent from 3-point distance through three contests. Generating easy points by playing fast and getting downhill will make up for the deficiencies of their half court offense.