NBA: Sharpshooting Timberwolves outlast struggling Raptors

Anthony Edwards scored 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves hold on for a 115-107 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

Rudy Gobert added 18 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota, which extended its winning streak to five games. Julius Randle contributed 17 points and eight boards, while Donte DiVincenzo added 16 points, making four of six from beyond the arc.

RJ Barrett led Toronto with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting. Immanuel Quickley scored 18 points, and Scottie Barnes added 16 for the Raptors, who lost for the fourth time in five games.

Both teams shot efficiently. Minnesota made 51.9% of its field goals and 41.9% of its 3-pointers, while Toronto finished with 49.4% overall and 42.9% from long range.

Edwards delivered a highlight-reel dunk in the third quarter, soaring over Barrett after dribbling in from beyond the 3-point line. He flexed and screamed as Barrett recovered the ball for the inbounds pass. Minnesota outscored Toronto 35-22 in the quarter to take a double-digit lead.

Toronto held an early advantage, leading by as many as 12 points. Barrett’s driving layup put the Raptors ahead 19-7 with 7:19 remaining in the first quarter. Minnesota responded with a 24-8 run to close the period, capped by points from Naz Reid, Bones Hyland, and Ayo Dosunmu, taking a 31-27 lead.

The teams were tied at 55 at halftime. Edwards scored 11 third-quarter points as Minnesota went on a 25-9 surge to lead 86-70 with 2:26 remaining. Toronto never cut the deficit below eight points for the rest of the game.

-Field Level Media/Reuters