Anthony Edwards scored 26 points in 28 minutes as the Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to a 117-94 victory over the Toronto Raptors in their home opener at Target Center on Sunday.
Minnesota improved to 3-0, winning its first three games by 25, 22 and 23 points. The first two wins came against the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. The Timberwolves shot 55.8% from the field and 48.4% from three-point range while outrebounding Toronto 49-34.
Edwards finished 10-of-18 from the field, including two three-pointers, and added four free throws. The Timberwolves built a 32-21 lead in the first quarter before extending the advantage to 67-47 at halftime. A 35-point third quarter pushed Minnesota’s lead to 28 points entering the final period, and the hosts led by as many as 32.
LaMelo Ball made an impressive impression in his regular-season debut in front of his new home crowd, scoring 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. He also dished out eight assists in 17 minutes, although foul trouble limited his playing time.
Jaden McDaniels contributed 14 points, six rebounds and three blocks, while Jonathan Kuminga added 13 points and four rebounds. Rudy Gobert scored eight points without missing a field-goal attempt and grabbed 13 rebounds, helping Minnesota control the paint and limit Toronto to 38.5% shooting overall.
The Timberwolves’ defense set the tone early, holding the Raptors to 9-of-29 shooting in the opening quarter. Toronto finished 10-of-38 from three-point range and struggled to generate consistent offense without Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard missed the game because of swelling in his left knee, with Toronto listing him as out shortly before tipoff. Ja’Kobe Walter led the Raptors with 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including five three-pointers. R.J. Barrett scored 20 points, while Immanuel Quickley added 19.
Scottie Barnes endured a difficult night, going 0-for-12 from the field and finishing scoreless in 28 minutes as Toronto fell to 2-1.
Kyle Anderson, who spent more than two seasons with Minnesota and appeared in 27 playoff games for the franchise, received a loud ovation when he entered late in the third quarter. The veteran forward finished scoreless in 10 minutes.
The Raptors will host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, while the Timberwolves travel to Cleveland on Monday.
