The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a solid 112-101 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, led by dynamic performances from Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards. Both players scored 24 points, guiding Minnesota to its first win of the season and energizing the crowd for the Timberwolves’ home opener.
Randle, making his debut after being acquired in an offseason trade, also contributed nine rebounds and five assists. Edwards, another key scorer, filled the stat sheet with six rebounds and four assists, while Rudy Gobert added a strong 15-point, 13-rebound performance, anchored by four blocks on the defensive end.
Toronto, missing RJ Barrett due to a shoulder injury, struggled with early shooting woes, missing eight of their first nine shots. Gradey Dick led all scorers with 25 points, while Scottie Barnes added 20 points, and Ochai Agbaji chipped in with 19 points and two steals.
The Timberwolves built a comfortable 16-3 lead in the first quarter as the Raptors searched for offensive rhythm. At halftime, Minnesota held a 12-point lead, and while the Raptors managed a third-quarter rally to narrow the gap, Minnesota responded with a 13-point burst fueled by Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Randle, reestablishing their control with a 78-56 lead.
Minnesota’s fan base, excited for the season after the team’s recent Western Conference Finals appearance, filled the arena with energy. Donte DiVincenzo, also acquired in the offseason, scored 16 points off the bench and hit four three-pointers, contributing to the Timberwolves’ strong shooting night. Veteran guard Mike Conley added ten points and six assists, controlling the tempo and keeping Minnesota’s offense steady.
