RJ Barrett poured in 31 points, including 12 clutch points in the fourth quarter, as the Toronto Raptors outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105 on Thursday night. The win extended Minnesota’s 20-year losing streak in Toronto, despite valiant efforts from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
Barrett Shines as Raptors Rally Late
The Raptors leaned heavily on Barrett, who delivered under pressure when it mattered most. His relentless scoring in the fourth quarter, capped by a thunderous dunk with just over two minutes left, helped Toronto secure a pivotal win.
Scottie Barnes, returning after an 11-game absence, provided a spark with 17 points and six assists. Barnes, recovering from a right orbital fracture, made his presence felt in critical moments, scoring six straight points late in the fourth quarter to put the Raptors ahead.
Toronto’s Chris Boucher also made significant contributions, scoring 22 points, while Jakob Poeltl recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. The Raptors’ 13-1 run in the game’s closing minutes sealed the victory, halting Minnesota’s momentum.
Timberwolves’ Decades-Long Drought Continues
The Timberwolves haven’t won in Toronto since Jan. 21, 2004, a streak that now spans 20 consecutive games. While they did claim a road victory over the Raptors during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, that game was played in Tampa, not Toronto.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points, and Julius Randle added 23 points and nine rebounds. Jaden McDaniels chipped in 22 points, while Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Despite their balanced scoring, the Timberwolves faltered late. Edwards hit a crucial 3-pointer to cut the deficit to five with 1:46 left but missed a potential game-changing three with 18 seconds remaining.
Back-and-Forth Battle Throughout
The game was competitive from the start, with the Raptors edging out a 32-27 lead after the first quarter. Toronto dominated the paint early, outscoring Minnesota 24-8 inside. The second quarter saw the Timberwolves claw back, narrowing Toronto’s lead to 52-51 by halftime.
Momentum shifted in the third quarter as Minnesota surged ahead. A floating jumper by Edwards and a driving layup by McDaniels helped the Timberwolves build a seven-point cushion. However, an 8-0 Raptors run regained the lead briefly, with the Timberwolves holding a slim 79-77 advantage entering the final period.
Key Moments in the Fourth Quarter
The final quarter was a showcase of resilience and timely plays. Minnesota briefly regained a five-point lead midway through, but Toronto answered with big plays from Boucher and Barrett. Boucher’s corner three tied the game at 95 with just over five minutes left, setting the stage for Barrett’s heroics down the stretch.
Here’s a breakdown of key plays in the fourth:
- Barnes’ Comeback Statement: Scored six straight points late in the quarter to put Toronto up by six.
- Barrett’s Dunk: Extended the Raptors’ lead to nine with a thunderous finish.
- Edwards’ Late Miss: A potential game-tying three-pointer rimmed out with 18 seconds remaining.
Minnesota was also hindered by injuries. Rob Dillingham left the game with an ankle issue, and guard Mike Conley did not play due to a toe injury.
A Statistical Glance
The Raptors’ efficiency in the paint was pivotal in securing the win. Their early dominance inside and clutch shooting in the final minutes proved to be the difference.
| Team | Points in the Paint | Rebounds | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | 56 | 42 | 13 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 38 | 44 | 15 |
Though Minnesota edged Toronto in rebounding, the Raptors’ ability to capitalize on key possessions and force turnovers was decisive.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With their second consecutive victory, the Raptors are building momentum after a grueling seven-game losing streak. The return of Barnes bodes well for Toronto as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Minnesota, meanwhile, faces questions about their road struggles, particularly in Toronto. Edwards continues to shine, but injuries and late-game execution remain areas of concern. Their streak of heartbreaks in Canada stretches on, leaving Timberwolves fans longing for a breakthrough.
The night belonged to RJ Barrett and the Raptors, who sent fans home happy while reminding everyone of the unique challenges of playing in Toronto. For the Timberwolves, the search for answers continues.
