RJ Barrett delivered a stunning performance on Thursday night, scoring 31 points to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 110-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The win came in a hard-fought battle in Toronto, extending Minnesota’s frustrating 20-year losing streak in the city. Barrett’s clutch scoring in the final quarter was the deciding factor in a game that remained close until the final minutes.
Barrett Dominates in the Fourth Quarter
When the game was on the line, RJ Barrett took over. He scored 12 of his 31 points in the crucial fourth quarter, consistently attacking the rim and hitting key shots to keep the Timberwolves at bay. His performance was a showcase of poise and leadership under pressure.
The highlight of his late-game heroics was a powerful dunk with just over two minutes remaining, which extended Toronto’s lead and electrified the home crowd. It was this relentless scoring that powered the Raptors’ decisive 13-1 run to close out the game and secure the victory.
Barnes’ Return Provides a Needed Spark
The Raptors received a significant boost from the return of Scottie Barnes, who had been sidelined for 11 games with a right orbital fracture. Barnes made an immediate impact, contributing 17 points and six assists in his comeback.
His presence was felt most acutely late in the fourth quarter. Barnes scored six consecutive points, a critical sequence that shifted momentum and put the Raptors ahead for good. Other Raptors also stepped up, with Chris Boucher adding a vital 22 points and Jakob Poeltl securing a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Minnesota’s Toronto Woes Continue
For the Timberwolves, it was another night of heartbreak in Canada. The team has not won a game in Toronto since January 21, 2004, a streak that now stands at 20 consecutive losses. Despite a balanced attack, they couldn’t execute down the stretch.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 26 points, while Julius Randle fought hard for 23 points and nine rebounds. The team’s efforts, however, were undone by late-game mistakes and missed opportunities.
- Crucial Miss: Edwards missed a potential game-changing three-pointer with only 18 seconds left on the clock.
- Injuries Mount: The Timberwolves were also hampered by injuries, with Rob Dillingham exiting with an ankle issue and Mike Conley sitting out entirely.
A Statistical Look at the Difference
While the game was competitive throughout, the Raptors’ ability to control the paint and capitalize on mistakes proved decisive. Toronto outscored Minnesota 56-38 inside, establishing a physical dominance that paid off in the end. Although the Timberwolves held a slight edge in rebounding, their 15 turnovers proved costly.
| Team | Points in the Paint | Rebounds | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | 56 | 42 | 13 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 38 | 44 | 15 |
This advantage, combined with clutch shooting in the final minutes, allowed the Raptors to overcome a late deficit and continue their recent momentum. For Minnesota, the search for a win in Toronto will have to wait for another season.
