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Raptors vs Timberwolves turned into a statement victory for Minnesota on Sunday, October 25, as the Timberwolves defeated Toronto 117-94 at Target Center. The result kept Minnesota unbeaten through three games while handing the Raptors their first loss of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points in just 27 minutes, helping Minnesota control the game from the opening stages. The home team combined efficient shooting, active defense and strong transition play to pull away from Toronto and protect its perfect start.
Raptors vs Timberwolves delivers a powerful Minnesota statement
The matchup was expected to be an early test between two teams that entered the night with 2-0 records. Instead, Minnesota quickly established control and turned the contest into a comfortable home victory.
According to the Associated Press, Edwards scored 26 points while LaMelo Ball added 15 points in his regular-season debut in front of the Minnesota crowd. Ball made four of his five three-point attempts and provided an explosive spark before foul trouble limited his playing time to 16 minutes.
Rudy Gobert also played a central role in the Timberwolves’ defensive effort. Minnesota held Toronto to 94 points after the Raptors had opened the season by scoring 135 points against the Chicago Bulls and 112 against the Washington Wizards.
Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball power explosive offense
Minnesota’s backcourt created constant pressure throughout the game. Edwards attacked the basket, finished in transition and forced Toronto’s defense to collapse. Ball added perimeter shooting and quick playmaking, giving the Timberwolves another dangerous option alongside their All-Star wing.
The Timberwolves entered the contest averaging 123 points per game while allowing only 99.5 points per contest. That balance remained visible against Toronto, with Minnesota combining offensive pace and defensive discipline to maintain a sizeable advantage.
The victory improved the Timberwolves to 3-0 and strengthened the early impression that they could be a serious Western Conference contender. Although the season is still young, Minnesota has already collected convincing wins over Miami, Orlando and Toronto.
Scottie Barnes struggles as Toronto loses its perfect start
Toronto could not generate the same offensive rhythm that carried it through the first two games. Scottie Barnes endured a difficult night, going 0-for-12 from the field as the Raptors struggled to keep pace with Minnesota’s scoring bursts.
The Raptors were also without Kawhi Leonard, their major offseason addition and one of the most important players in their new-look lineup. His absence placed greater responsibility on Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley, but Toronto could not overcome Minnesota’s defensive pressure.
Toronto had shown promise on both ends of the floor entering the game. The Raptors had allowed only 97 points per game across their first two contests, but the Timberwolves found ways to attack the defense and create open opportunities from the perimeter and in transition.
What the result means for both NBA teams
For Minnesota, the win confirms that the team’s unbeaten start is more than a statistical curiosity. Edwards looks comfortable as the offensive leader, Ball offers additional creativity and Gobert continues to anchor the interior defense. The Timberwolves now have momentum, confidence and an early-season identity.
For Toronto, the defeat provides a valuable warning rather than a reason for panic. The Raptors remain a talented team with multiple scoring options, but Leonard’s availability and Barnes’ efficiency will be important storylines moving forward. Toronto must also find more reliable half-court offense against physical opponents.
- Final score: Minnesota Timberwolves 117, Toronto Raptors 94
- Top scorer: Anthony Edwards with 26 points
- LaMelo Ball: 15 points and four three-pointers
- Scottie Barnes: 0-for-12 shooting
- Records: Minnesota improved to 3-0; Toronto fell to 2-1
The game was originally listed for NBA TV, with streaming availability promoted through Fubo. The final result, however, made the matchup especially significant as Minnesota continued its perfect opening run and Toronto faced its first test of adversity.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Raptors vs Timberwolves game?
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Toronto Raptors 117-94 on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Who led the Timberwolves in scoring?
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 26 points in 27 minutes.
How did LaMelo Ball perform?
LaMelo Ball scored 15 points and made four of five three-point attempts in his regular-season home debut, although foul trouble limited his minutes.
What happened to Scottie Barnes?
Scottie Barnes struggled offensively, finishing 0-for-12 from the field in Toronto’s first loss of the season.
What were the teams’ records after the game?
Minnesota improved to 3-0, while Toronto dropped to 2-1 in the early 2026-27 NBA season.
