NewsTimberwolves Beat Raptors 117–94: Anthony Edwards Scores 26 as Minnesota Starts 3–0
Anthony Edwards set the pace for Minnesota, which outscored Toronto by 20 in the third quarter and remained unbeaten in its home opener.
Representative editorial photograph, not the reported event or people. Photo: RODOLPHE ASENSI / Pexels (Pexels free-use license).
MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 26, 2026 — The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Toronto Raptors 117–94 on Sunday night, October 25, turning their home opener into a third consecutive victory to start the NBA season. Anthony Edwards scored 26 points in 27 minutes, and Minnesota's defense repeatedly disrupted a Toronto team missing Kawhi Leonard.
Timberwolves vs. Raptors final score and turning point
The teams entered Sunday with two wins apiece, but the contest quickly tilted toward Minnesota. The Timberwolves held Toronto to 21 points in the first quarter and carried a lead into halftime. The decisive separation came after the break: Minnesota won the third quarter 35–15, a 20-point swing that left Toronto with too much ground to recover.
Edwards' 26 points provided a reliable scoring foundation. LaMelo Ball added 15 points and eight assists, while Jaden McDaniels contributed 14 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Rudy Gobert's 13 rebounds helped Minnesota control the interior and limit second chances.
Why Minnesota's shooting and defense stood out
Associated Press reporting put the Timberwolves' shooting at about 56% from the field and 48% from three-point range. Minnesota also held a 49–34 rebounding advantage. That combination — efficient offense, extra possessions and strong rim protection — explains the lopsided margin more clearly than any single highlight.
The Wolves forced Toronto into an uneven offensive rhythm. The Raptors went 9-for-29 from the floor in the first quarter, including just one made three-pointer in ten attempts. The third-quarter surge then converted Minnesota's defensive pressure into a commanding lead.
How did Toronto play without Kawhi Leonard?
Leonard did not play after the Raptors listed swelling in his left knee before tipoff. Ja'Kobe Walter stepped into the starting lineup and led Toronto with 22 points. RJ Barrett scored 20, and Immanuel Quickley added 19. Their contributions were not enough to offset the team's broader shooting and rebounding difficulties.
Scottie Barnes had a particularly difficult night, missing all 12 of his field-goal attempts. That single-game outcome is notable, but it should not be treated as a prediction of his season. Toronto entered the contest 2–0 and now stands 2–1.
What comes next for the Timberwolves and Raptors?
Minnesota's 3–0 start is backed by three victories by margins of at least 22 points, though the season remains young. The Timberwolves are scheduled to visit Cleveland on Monday, October 26, a quick test of how well their form travels.
Toronto returns home to face Orlando on Wednesday. The Raptors' immediate priorities are clarifying Leonard's availability, improving their first-quarter shot quality and protecting the defensive glass. The official NBA game page carries the final score and player statistics.
Sources and verification
This original NewsTrendus report is based on dated primary records and independent reporting. Search interest does not verify claims; the accompanying licensed photo is representative, not a photograph of the event.
- NBA: official Raptors–Timberwolves final and box score
- NBA: October 25 game recap video
- Associated Press: Edwards leads 117–94 victory
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