Collin Murray-Boyles has to be more involved in Raptors offense to unlock next level
Collin Murray-Boyles only took three shots in the loss to Minnesota.
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Collin Murray-Boyles only took three shots in the loss to Minnesota.
After a 94-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Raptors fans are urging former big man Chris Boucher to return to Toronto. The defeat highlighted scoring blanks from starters Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes, sparking calls for a change at center. Boucher, who last played for the Celtics and posted a supportive tweet on Oct. 26, 2026, received a flood of nostalgic messages from fans. Although his recent averages (2 points, 2 rebounds) and 6'8" frame suggest a limited bench role, supporters hope his defensive presence could boost morale and address the team's interior woes.
The Timberwolves played a strong two-way game, while the Raptors struggled.
Jonathan Kuminga sparks a 117-94 win over the Toronto Raptors as the Timberwolves open the season 3-0. The 23‑year‑old tallied 13 points, four rebounds and earned praise from coach Chris Finch for his defense, hustle and rebounding. Kuminga, shooting 48% and averaging 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3 assists, adds a triple‑threat skill set alongside Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and LaMelo Ball. A former Warriors champion who won a title at 19, he could be key to Minnesota’s push for a top Western seed as they face the Cavaliers on Monday.
The Minnesota Timberwolves start the 2026‑27 season 3‑0, blowing out the Toronto Raptors in a home win. Point guard LaMelo Ball, praised for his shooting and creative passing, admits he occasionally taps teammates on the head to keep them alert for his unconventional assists, as shown in a Timberwolves YouTube interview. His on‑court chemistry with Anthony Edwards is clicking, though Edwards’ knee flared during the game. With the duo healthy, Minnesota looks poised to contend for a top spot in the Western Conference this season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves start the 2026‑27 season 3‑0, blasting the Toronto Raptors in their first home game and lifting their all‑time winning percentage to .42148, edging out the Brooklyn Nets for the league's worst historical record. The win marks a franchise milestone and underscores the Wolves' resurgence after dismantling three former playoff teams. With Anthony Edwards returning from knee woes, LaMelo Ball thriving in his new role, and free‑agent Jonathan Kuminga contributing, Minnesota now looks capable of challenging the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs in the West. The Wolves head to Cleveland next on Monday.
The Timberwolves beat the Raptors 117-94, with Anthony Edwards scoring 26 points, and enter their next matchup against the Cavaliers at 3-0. However, Edwards is listed as questionable due to right‑knee injury management, and his availability could go either way, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. Minnesota also lists Donte DiVincenzo (out with Achilles surgery) on the injury report. Cleveland meanwhile has three players out, including Khalifa Diop (knee) and Nae’Qwan Tomlin (back). Fans will be watching closely to see if Edwards suits up for Monday’s game.
Rudy Gobert says he’ll keep “dominating offensively” in his own style after Minnesota’s 117-94 loss to Toronto. He posted 8 points, 13 rebounds and highlighted his impact through screens, offensive boards and spacing rather than traditional post scoring. Gobert is averaging 9.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and a 71.4% field‑goal rate, while entering his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. The Timberwolves start 3‑0 and aim to become a ‘superteam’ alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jonathan Kuminga and Jaden McDaniels as they head to Cleveland on Oct. 27.
Anthony Edwards powers the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-94 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 26, 2026, snapping a close first half with a dominant 35-15 third‑quarter run. Edwards tallies 26 points on 10‑of‑18 shooting, while the Wolves shoot 56% overall and 48% from three, improving to 3‑0 and tying Oklahoma City atop the Northwest Division. Toronto’s Ja’Kobe Walter leads the Raptors with 22 points, but the team struggles, shooting just 38% from the field and committing 17 turnovers. Key contributions also come from LaMelo Ball (15 pts, 8 ast) and Rudy Gobert (13 reb).
LaMelo Ball dazzles in his Timberwolves debut, scoring 15 points with eight assists despite early foul trouble, helping Minnesota clinch a third straight win. The trade that sent Naz Reid to Toronto sparks debate, but Ball’s 33‑point surge in just 16:44 on the floor fuels excitement. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert asserts his unchanged role as a dominant shot‑blocker in his 14th season, Luka Dončić blows out the Jazz with 52 points, exposing Utah’s defensive woes, and the Trail Blazers showcase depth with seven players in double figures against Sacramento.
LaMelo Ball’s move to the Minnesota Timberwolves has instantly reshaped the NBA landscape. In the Wolves’ 3‑0 start, they’ve won each game by over 20 points—including a 117‑94 victory over Toronto—making them only the third team ever to open a season with three 20‑plus‑point wins. Ball leads the league in plus‑minus, posting 16.0 points, 6.3 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 42.3% from three in just 17‑minute outings. His playmaking, combined with Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, puts Minnesota on a surprising postseason and even Finals‑talk track.
Anthony Edwards championed the acquisition of Jonathan Kuminga, and three games into his Minnesota Timberwolves debut, Kuminga is already exceeding expectations. He’s posted double‑figure scoring in every game, including 13 points on 7‑of‑11 shooting from three in a 117–94 win over Toronto, while also delivering seven assists, eight rebounds and relentless defense against stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Coach Chris Finch praises his willingness to embrace tough assignments, move the ball and trust the offense, and veteran Rudy Gobert notes Kuminga’s growing composure. The rookie’s balanced impact hints at a pivotal role alongside Edwards and LaMelo Ball as Minnesota builds momentum.
The Toronto Raptors tumble to a 117-94 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 26, 2026. Minnesota erupts early, outscoring Toronto 32-21 in the first quarter and shooting 12‑for‑18 overall, while the Raptors struggle with a 9‑for‑29 field performance and 1‑for‑10 from three. RJ Barrett’s 11 points and a brief second‑quarter rally aren’t enough to offset Scottie Barnes’ 0‑for‑12 night and Jakob Poeltl’s zero‑point, one‑rebound outing. Kawhi Leonard misses the game with a swollen knee, leaving the Raptors without a needed stabilizer. The loss highlights persistent shooting woes and a need for Barnes and Poeltl to elevate their play.
Samson Folk and Trevon Heath break down the Raptors’ early‑season woes, focusing on Scottie Barnes’ scoreless night against the Timberwolves and the offensive scheme under Darko Rajakovic. They argue Barnes is being forced into a role that limits his physical dominance, while the system favors Leonard and Quickley. The duo warns that this approach won’t win games, despite Barnes’ playoff heroics last year, and previews the upcoming Magic doubleheader.
LaMelo Ball played just under 17 minutes on Sunday night, but his impact jumped off the screen and stat sheet, which sparked a blowout win for the Timberwolves.
The Toronto Raptors host back‑to‑back games against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 28 (7:30 PM) and Oct. 30, turning both nights into Halloween‑themed spectacles. The first features a fan costume contest and glow‑in‑the‑dark skeleton Raptor merch, while the second counts toward the Emirates NBA Cup group stage, where Toronto hopes to rebound from an Oct. 25 loss to Minnesota. Both teams are dealing with injuries—Kawhi Leonard’s status remains uncertain and the Magic are without Paolo Banchero and possibly Jalen Suggs—giving the Raptors a chance to regain momentum and vie for a Cup upset.
The Minnesota Timberwolves dismantled Toronto’s star forward Scottie Barnes, holding him to 0‑for‑12 shooting in a 117‑94 loss at the Target Center on Oct. 26, 2026. Coach Chris Finch praised a collective defensive effort that rotated Jonathan Kuminga, Jaden McDaniels, Trey Lyles and veteran Rudy Gobert to deny Barnes his preferred spots, forcing him into difficult shots. Barnes recorded four steals, a block, three rebounds and three assists, but his scoring void contributed to Toronto’s 35‑for‑91 field‑goal night. Raptors’ LaMelo Ball noted the Wolves’ switch‑heavy scheme, while Toronto’s other contributors – Ja’Kobe Walter (22), RJ Barrett (20) and Immanuel Quickley (19) – couldn’t close the gap.
LaMelo Ball celebrates his first regular‑season home game with the Minnesota Timberwolves, helping the Wolves to a 117‑94 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 26, 2026. Despite limited minutes due to foul trouble, Ball scored 15 points on 4‑of‑5 three‑pointers in 16 minutes and praised the fan support. Anthony Edwards led with 26 points, while Rudy Gobert grabbed 13 rebounds as Minnesota surged to a 3‑0 start, winning its first three contests by 22‑32 points. Acquired in a June four‑team trade, Ball’s early impact fuels optimism for the new backcourt duo with Edwards.
LaMelo Ball reflects on his first home debut with the Minnesota Timberwolves, praising the team's defensive intensity after a 117-94 win over the Toronto Raptors at the Target Center on Sunday. He discusses how he’s adapting to new teammates as the Wolves start 3-0, marking their third consecutive victory by 20+ points. Ball’s comments highlight the early chemistry and confidence fueling Minnesota’s strong start.
After a 117-94 win over the Toronto Raptors, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch attributes the victory to relentless defense and highlights Jonathan Kuminga’s rapid growth. Minnesota’s first three games of the season are all blowouts—wins by 25, 22 and 23 points—and they limited the Raptors to just 38% shooting overall and 26% from three. Finch breaks down how the scheme smothered Scottie Barnes, showing why the Wolves are an early defensive powerhouse.
Anthony Edwards pours in 26 points in 28 minutes as the Minnesota Timberwolves dominate the Toronto Raptors 117-94 in their home opener, extending their perfect start to 3-0. The win marks the Wolves’ third straight victory by over 20 points, following similar blowouts of the Miami Heat and another opponent. Minnesota’s early-season surge keeps them unbeaten heading into the next matchup.
The Minnesota Timberwolves crush the Toronto Raptors 123‑100 on Oct. 26, 2026, snapping Scottie Barnes’ scoring streak as he goes 0‑for‑12 and posts a minus‑27 rating, tying a franchise record for missed attempts. Coach Chris Finch credits the collective effort—highlighting Jaden McDaniels, Trey Lyles and Rudy Gobert—for limiting Toronto to 38.5% shooting and 26.3% from three, while also out‑rebounding them 40‑20. With Kawhi Leonard sidelined, the Raptors relied on Barnes, who couldn’t find a bucket. The win marks the Wolves’ third straight victory and keeps them undefeated heading into a back‑to‑back trip to Cleveland. Gobert praises the defensive mindset, noting room to grow but confidence for continued success.
The Minnesota Timberwolves cruise to a 117-94 win over a Kawhi Leonard‑less Toronto Raptors, pushing their season start to 3‑0. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball spark the offense, with Ball scoring 15 points on 4‑of‑5 three‑pointers and dishing eight assists in just 17 minutes, posting a +33 plus‑minus. Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels anchor a defense that holds Toronto to 38% shooting and silences Scottie Barnes (0‑12). The victory showcases the Wolves’ emerging championship potential and suggests a new narrative of consistency against weaker Eastern Conference foes.
Kawhi Leonard misses Thursday’s game as the Raptors fall 117-94 to the Timberwolves, dropping to 2-1 while Minnesota improves to 3-0. Leonard was listed with left‑knee swelling just before tip‑off and will undergo further testing, leaving his status for Wednesday’s matchup with Orlando uncertain. The 35‑year‑old logged 16 points, nine rebounds and three steals in a Friday win over Washington, but his injury history raises concerns. Ja’Kobe Walter stepped in, scoring 22, as RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley added 20 and 19 respectively.
The Toronto Raptors suffered a 117-94 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opener without Kawhi Leonard, sparking concerns about the team's future. While Scottie Barnes went 0‑12, RJ Barrett showed his worth with 20 points and three steals, and bench player Ja’Kobe Walter dropped 22 points on 62.5% shooting from three. The article argues that Barrett could become the long‑term second‑option offense, but warns that Jakob Poeltl’s continued lack of production—zero points and no double‑digit rebounds over three games—remains a major issue, especially with his contract extension looming.