The Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1) were the dominant team during their home opener against the Toronto Raptors (1-2) on Saturday night, winning 112-101 at Target Center in Minneapolis.
The Wolves never trailed, as the Raptors had a lot working against them before the game even tipped off.
Five players were ruled out against Minnesota, including RJ Barrett (shoulder), Kelly Olynyk (back), Immanuel Quickley (pelvis), Bruce Brown (knee) and Ja’Kobe Walter (shoulder). Toronto was also coming off a back-to-back and the Timberwolves simply are the better team, even if they’re at full health not on a back-to-back.
Related: Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle made history in Timberwolves’ first win of season
Julius Randle once again was a force, as he and Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves in scoring, dropping 24 points each. Randle also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out five assists. Randle hit 9-of-16 shots (56.3%) and was 5-for-7 from the free throw line.
Edwards’ shooting was a little off early on but he made shots when it mattered towards the end, much like his performance in the team’s win against the Kings on Thursday. He hit 9-fo-21 shots, including 5-for-12 from three. He also had six rebounds, four assists, a steal and block.