October 25, 2026 | Ethical Sports Takes | NBA Game Recap
The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their undefeated start to the 2026–27 NBA season with a convincing 117–94 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
Both teams entered Sunday’s matchup with perfect 2–0 records, but Minnesota’s superior shooting and dominant third quarter proved too much for Toronto to overcome.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points, while Ja’Kobe Walter paced Toronto with 22.
The Raptors were also dealt a significant setback before tipoff when Kawhi Leonard was ruled out with swelling in his left knee. Leonard had averaged 19.5 points through his first two games since returning to Toronto.
His absence left the Raptors without an important scoring option against one of the league’s hottest teams.
First Quarter: Minnesota Takes Early Control
Timberwolves 32, Raptors 21
Minnesota established its advantage in the opening quarter, building an 11-point lead behind efficient offense.
Toronto struggled to find its shooting rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, where the Raptors made just one of their first 11 attempts.
RJ Barrett provided much of Toronto’s early offense, scoring 11 first-quarter points on 5-of-7 shooting.
Minnesota received contributions throughout its lineup. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball helped set the offensive pace, while Jonathan Kuminga provided additional perimeter scoring.
The Timberwolves finished the quarter shooting 14-of-21 from the field, including eight three-pointers.
Toronto simply couldn’t match that efficiency.
Second Quarter: Toronto Shows Some Fight
Halftime: Timberwolves 55, Raptors 47
The Raptors improved in the second quarter, outscoring Minnesota 26–23 to cut the deficit to eight points.
However, Minnesota continued finding ways to punish Toronto’s mistakes.
Early in the quarter, Jaden McDaniels connected on a step-back three-pointer. Shortly afterward, Terrence Shannon Jr. knocked down another three following a Toronto turnover.
Those plays highlighted Minnesota’s ability to turn defensive opportunities into points.
Toronto still managed to make the quarter competitive, giving itself a reasonable opportunity to challenge Minnesota after halftime.
With Leonard unavailable, the Raptors needed their remaining offensive leaders to produce a strong second half.
Third Quarter: Minnesota Blows the Game Open
Timberwolves 90, Raptors 62
The third quarter completely changed the complexion of the contest.
After entering halftime with an eight-point advantage, Minnesota outscored Toronto 35–15 over the next 12 minutes.
What had been a competitive game suddenly became a blowout.
Toronto’s offensive struggles returned at the worst possible time. The Raptors couldn’t generate enough efficient scoring to keep pace, while Minnesota continued capitalizing on its offensive opportunities.
The Timberwolves entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 28-point lead.
This was the defining stretch of the game.
Fourth Quarter: Toronto’s Late Offense Isn’t Enough
Final: Timberwolves 117, Raptors 94
Toronto finally found some offensive success in the fourth quarter, scoring 32 points.
However, Minnesota’s advantage was already far too large.
The Timberwolves added 27 points of their own, preventing the Raptors from making a meaningful comeback.
Minnesota secured its third consecutive victory to open the season, while Toronto suffered its first defeat.
Key Takeaways
Scottie Barnes Has a Disastrous Shooting Night
Scottie Barnes entered Sunday’s matchup averaging 25.5 points per game.
He finished with zero.
Barnes missed all 12 of his field-goal attempts, including five three-pointers, and failed to attempt a free throw.
He contributed three rebounds and three assists, but his inability to score was a major problem for a Toronto team already missing Kawhi Leonard.
The Raptors needed Barnes to shoulder more offensive responsibility. Instead, he delivered one of the most difficult shooting performances of his career.
Kawhi Leonard’s Absence Leaves Toronto Short-Handed
Leonard was scratched approximately an hour before tipoff because of swelling in his left knee.
The seven-time All-Star had averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals through Toronto’s opening two games.
His absence removed another scoring threat and an experienced defensive presence from the Raptors’ lineup.
Considering Barnes’ struggles, Toronto badly missed having another reliable offensive option.
The more concerning question is Leonard’s health. Given his extensive injury history, Toronto will need to manage the situation carefully.
Minnesota Dominates the Shooting Battle
The difference in efficiency was staggering.
Minnesota shot 56% from the field and 48% from three-point range.
Toronto managed just 38% from the field and 26% from beyond the arc.
The Timberwolves also outrebounded the Raptors 63–43.
Interestingly, Toronto actually recorded more offensive rebounds and second-chance points, but Minnesota’s overall shooting advantage was simply too large.
The Timberwolves didn’t need nearly as many opportunities to produce a much better offensive result.
Anthony Edwards Continues His Excellent Start
Edwards delivered another strong performance, finishing with 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting.
However, Minnesota’s offensive balance was equally impressive.
LaMelo Ball contributed 15 points and eight assists, Jaden McDaniels scored 14, Jonathan Kuminga added 13, and Terrence Shannon Jr. supplied 15 points off the bench.
Minnesota demonstrated that opponents cannot focus exclusively on Edwards and expect to contain the entire offense.
Ja’Kobe Walter Gives Toronto Something Positive
Despite Toronto’s disappointing performance, Ja’Kobe Walter deserves recognition.
Walter led the Raptors with 22 points, connecting on five of his eight three-point attempts.
RJ Barrett added 20 points, while Immanuel Quickley contributed 19.
The trio combined for 61 points, accounting for nearly two-thirds of Toronto’s total offense.
Their production provided some encouragement, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the struggles elsewhere in the lineup.
Final Thoughts
Minnesota has opened the season with three consecutive victories, and this was another impressive statement.
The Timberwolves were efficient offensively, controlled the rebounding battle, and completely took over the contest in the third quarter.
For Toronto, the loss exposed several concerns.
Kawhi Leonard’s absence certainly hurt, but Barnes going scoreless on 12 attempts made an already difficult matchup considerably worse.
The Raptors must find more consistent offensive production if they want to compete with teams of Minnesota’s caliber.
Final Score: Minnesota Timberwolves 117, Toronto Raptors 94.
Leave a Reply