Minnesota built a 28-19 lead after one quarter and never let Toronto back into it. The 117-94 win makes it 3-0 and fourth in the West before a quick turn to Cleveland.
Fast Start, Firm Hold
The opening quarter did the work. Minnesota led 28-19 after one, and the biggest lead on either side was 10 for the Wolves against 1 for the Raptors. RJ Barrett scored 11 in that quarter on 5-for-7 shooting, and it still was not enough to keep Toronto close. Jonathan Kuminga hit a three from 24 feet to push the lead to 10, and LaMelo Ball went 2-for-2 from deep for six points in his short opening stretch. Toronto's best player on the night, Ja'Kobe Walter, finished with 22 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Wolves held the Raptors to 94, after holding Orlando to 93 on Friday.
Grades Without Fuss
Edwards earns an A. His 26 points led the game, and he did it with three assists and only one rebound, a scorer's night with no wasted motion. He had seven in the first quarter on 3-for-4 shooting and a plus-7 in nine minutes. Kuminga gets a B-plus: six points on 2-for-3 from three, and a plus-10 in seven opening minutes, the best mark on the team. Ball gets a B for the early shooting, though he also had a turnover in four minutes. On the other side, Scottie Barnes went 0-for-5 in the opening quarter and was minus 10, as was Immanuel Quickley. Gobert and McDaniels each posted a plus-7 in about eight minutes, which is how this team usually wins its first quarters.
Cleveland Next
The turnaround is short. Minnesota plays at Cleveland on October 26, one day after this game. The Cavaliers are 1-1, with Donovan Mitchell averaging 27.0 points and Evan Mobley 19.0 and 9.0 rebounds through two games. The Wolves are fourth in the West at 3-0, level with the Grizzlies (2-0, sixth) in games behind and two games ahead of 11th. Warriors and Clippers visits follow, then a trip to San Antonio. One more note from the night: The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski reported that every player was introduced before the game except Donte DiVincenzo, by agreement with the team, so that his first announcement comes when he returns. A start this clean makes the next few days matter more than the standings suggest.
What was the score of the Timberwolves vs. Raptors game?
Minnesota won 117-94 on October 25, leading 28-19 after the first quarter. Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 26 points.
What is the Timberwolves' record and who do they play next?
Minnesota is 3-0 and fourth in the West. Next is a game at Cleveland on October 26, then the Warriors at home on October 28.
