The Timberwolves defeated the Toronto Raptors 117-94 on Sunday, never trailing, with Anthony Edwards leading the way.
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points, went 10-for-18 from the field (56%), 2-for-4 from three (50%), 4-for-5 from the free-throw line (80%), grabbed a rebound, chipped in three assists, and finished with a +9 while on the court. Minnesota’s largest lead for the game was 32 points.
With guard LaMelo Ball in the mix, the Timberwolves have shown they are an NBA force. LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards are jelling, helping Minnesota to their first 3-0 start since the 2019-2020 season.
Ball scored most of his points from behind the arc, shooting 4-for-5 (80%) from three. He made it look effortless, starting with a dribble move into a step-back, one-legged three, and finishing with 15 points, shooting 5-for-8 (63%) from the field and 1-for-2 (50%) from the free-throw line, plus one rebound, eight assists, and two steals. The ball finished +33 while on the floor.
Minnesota clinched the victory largely by winning several statistical categories. Minnesota shot a better field goal percentage (55.8% to 38.5%), three-point percentage (48.4% to 26.3%), total rebounds (49-34), defensive rebounds (40-20), and assists (26-20).
One reason for the larger discrepancies is that the Raptors played without forward Kawhi Leonard, who injured his knee during warm-ups and was ruled out. That took his nearly 20 PPG out of the game.
Minnesota will have a quick turnaround as the Timberwolves face off tonight against Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers (1-1) in Cleveland at 7 PM Eastern on NBA League Pass, and then return home Wednesday night to play the Warriors at 8 PM. Eastern, also on NBA League Pass.
