RJ Barrett’s stellar performance lit up the night in Toronto as the Raptors edged past the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105 on Thursday, securing their first consecutive wins of the season.
Barrett poured in 31 points, commanding the game with confidence and delivering when it mattered most.
Toronto’s Scottie Barnes returned from an 11-game absence due to a right orbital fracture, contributing 17 points in a gutsy effort. Barnes, donning protective glasses, played 27 minutes, shooting 5-for-11 from the field and dishing out six assists. His presence provided a critical boost for the Raptors, who remain unbeaten at home against Minnesota for nearly two decades.
Chris Boucher emerged as a force off the bench, tallying 22 points, including a clutch three-pointer that sparked a decisive 13-1 fourth-quarter run. Jakob Poeltl was equally impactful, recording his fourth consecutive double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Poeltl’s work on the glass was vital, particularly during high-pressure moments late in the game.
Timberwolves Fight but Fall Short
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves’ charge with 26 points, 21 of which came in the second half. After a slow start, Edwards found his rhythm, hitting 7-of-15 attempts after halftime. His offensive surge kept Minnesota within striking distance, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to break their long-standing Toronto drought.
Julius Randle added 23 points, while Jaden McDaniels chipped in 22 for the Wolves. Rudy Gobert contributed a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their collective efforts, Minnesota’s inability to close the game in key moments proved costly.
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Key Moments and Takeaways
The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when the Raptors transformed a 95-92 deficit into a 105-96 lead, thanks to a 13-1 run. Boucher ignited the surge with a three-pointer, and Barrett capped it off with a high-flying alley-oop dunk off a Gradey Dick assist, sending the Toronto crowd into a frenzy.
Free throws were another deciding factor. The Raptors struggled early, going 5-for-9 from the line in the first half, but corrected course in the second, converting 24-of-30 attempts. This improvement underscored their ability to capitalize on opportunities down the stretch.
Raptors Extend Dominance Over Timberwolves
Minnesota’s last win in Toronto dates back to January 21, 2004, when a star-studded lineup featuring Sam Cassell, Kevin Garnett, and Latrell Sprewell carried them to victory. The Timberwolves’ most recent road win against Toronto, however, came in February 2021 during the Raptors’ temporary relocation to Tampa, Florida, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
For Toronto, the victory wasn’t just another notch in their belt; it was a showcase of resilience and depth. With Barnes back and Barrett thriving, the Raptors appear poised to build momentum as they embark on a four-game road trip starting Sunday in Cleveland.
Moving Forward
Minnesota heads to Boston next to face the Celtics on Sunday, a formidable challenge as they aim to bounce back. Meanwhile, Toronto will look to extend their winning streak on the road. If Thursday’s performance is any indication, the Raptors are beginning to click at the right time.
The Bottom Line
RJ Barrett’s leadership and the Raptors’ balanced attack shone brightest in this closely contested matchup. While the Timberwolves showcased flashes of brilliance, Toronto’s home dominance and timely execution proved insurmountable. Fans are left wondering if Minnesota can ever overcome the “Toronto Curse,” but for now, the Raptors remain the kings of this matchup.
