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.
One quarter of hope, three quarters of headaches. Toronto has work to do.
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Samson Folk & Trevon Heath discuss the Toronto Raptors.
The post Scottie Scoreless, Hunted by Wolves + Previewing Magic Doubleheader first appeared on Raptors Republic .
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 has only been with the Minnesota Timberwolves for a few months, but he already feels right at home. After making his regular-season home debut in Sunday’s 117-94 win over the Toronto Raptors at Target Center, Ball was asked what the support from Timberwolves fans has meant to him since his arrival. “I mean, […]
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LaMelo Ball praised the Minnesota Timberwolves’ defensive effort and spoke about adjusting to his new teammates after his regular-season debut in front of the Target Center crowd on Sunday. Minnesota defeated the Toronto Raptors 117-94 to improve to 3-0, extending its winning margin to at least 20 points in each of its first three games. […]
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Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch credited his team’s defensive effort and praised Jonathan Kuminga’s development after a 117-94 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. The Timberwolves improved to 3-0, winning their first three games by 25, 22 and 23 points. Minnesota held Toronto to 38% shooting from the field and 26% from three-point […]
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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 […]
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MINNEAPOLIS — In their 23-point win over the Toronto Raptors, the Minnesota Timberwolves held Scottie Barnes out of the scoring column, as he went 0-for-12 from the field and was a minus 27 overall. “I mean, great, you know, obviously, great defense by all those guys that took the matchup,” said Timberwolves head coach Chris […]
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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 was missing in action on Sunday, as the Toronto Raptors lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-94, at Target Center. The Raptors fell to 2-1, while the Timberwolves improved to 3-0. Leonard was added to the injury report just an hour before tip-off. Toronto announced that the veteran forward was dealing with swelling in […]
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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.
Scottie Barnes didn't make a shot and looked disinterested defensively in the Raptors' first game without Kawhi Leonard. How concerned should we be?
The Toronto Raptors lose their first game of the season to the undefeated Minnesota Timberwolves.
The post Quick Reaction: Toronto Raptors 94, Minnesota Timberwolves 117 first appeared on Raptors Republic .
Barnes scores zero points as the Raptors are brutalized. What happens next?
The post Barnes’ career low against Timberwolves exposes Raptors’ existential question first appeared on Raptors Republic .
Kawhi Leonard sits out Sunday with left‑knee swelling after posting 16 points and nine rebounds in a win over Washington and 23 points in the season opener. Ja’Kobe Walter is projected to start for the Raptors against Minnesota, averaging 8.5 points in 23.5 minutes. In the Atlantic Division, Sixers forward VJ Edgecombe misses the game vs. Detroit due to an abdominal contusion, while the Knicks add 25‑year‑old guard Dalton Knecht on a two‑way contract, likely to start in the G League. Meanwhile, the Nets, 0‑2, saw promising chemistry from rookie duo Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr., who combined for three threes in 47 seconds, sparking optimism from coach Jordi Fernandez.
MINNEAPOLIS — Prior to their game tonight against the Timberwolves, Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković praised the new-look roster and the unique duo of guards Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. “Great young duo, very talented players capable to score in so many different ways,” said the fourth-year Raptors head coach from Serbia. “It’s a great […]
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Kawhi Leonard misses his first game back with the Toronto Raptors due to knee swelling, sidelining him for the crucial Sunday showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ja’Kobe Walter steps into the starting lineup as the two undefeated teams face off, providing an early test of the Raptors’ depth without Leonard. The article notes Leonard’s recent 27‑minute, 112‑102 win over the Wizards and his historic 60‑game 2019 season, while previewing upcoming back‑to‑back games against the Lakers and Clippers.
The Toronto Raptors have started the season off 2-0, and they have a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves next, another team that is undefeated. It looks like they may be without Kawhi Leonard in that one, as he’s dealing with swelling in his knee, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. “The Raptors say Kawhi Leonard […]
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Toronto Raptors star forward Kawhi Leonard downplayed any concerns about when he will be able to ramp up to full game shape, and now he's shutting things down completely.
The Toronto Raptors head to Minneapolis on Sunday, Oct. 25, for a 7:00 PM ET showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves on NBA TV, with a free‑trial stream available on Fubo. Both teams enter the game 2‑0, the Raptors riding a 135‑92 win over Chicago and a 112‑102 road victory over Washington, led by Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley, while the Timberwolves posted dominant road wins over Miami and Orlando, averaging 123 points behind LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. The win‑or‑lose battle could set the tone for two early playoff contenders.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla deflects media focus on the Tatum‑Brown saga, emphasizing Jayson Tatum’s role while respecting former teammate Jaylen Brown’s contributions. Meanwhile, Sixers center Joel Embiid misses Sunday’s game against Detroit due to plantar fasciitis after a triple‑double win over Milwaukee, and RJ Barrett remains a key piece for the Raptors despite trade speculation. The Nets slide to 0‑2 after a loss to Cleveland, but rookie Egor Demin sparks hope with a 22‑point fourth‑quarter surge alongside Mikel Brown Jr., who is on a minutes restriction after an ankle injury.
Toronto has opened the year with its trademark defense and energy, but better three-point shooting could make them an even tougher threat in the East.