Apr 5, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9) looks down after missing a game trying free throw in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Target Center. The Raptors 95-93. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

This game, which featured 10 lead changes and 7 ties, was so tight it squeaked. Each team tried 15 3-balls, and grabbed 40 rebounds. Even the T’Wolves big run of 13-zip early in the open the third quarter only pushed the largest margin to 11. The Raps refused to fold, and clawed back to enter the final quarter down two. Rudy Gay, colder than a Minnesota forest in January early, found his stroke in the second quarter. He would finish with 26 points, which included a make of his only free throw. The T’Wolves took 24 more FTs than the Raps, for which I’m sure the refs have a perfectly valid explanation. 

DeMar DeRozan’s jump shot continues to plague opponents, as he buried a number of his long 2s (hated by stats geeks and coaches alike, but the shot is his bread and butter). He also made but one trip to the free throw line, converting an and1 opportunity late which nudged the Raps into a lead they would not relinquish. 

Apr 5, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) turns towards the basket past Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Jonas Valanciunas would probably score his match against Nikola Pekovic a draw. Minny’s massive and talented centre scored 24 points, with several of his baskets coming off brilliant passes from the sparkling Ricky Rubio, who had 12 assists. Pekovic went to the line 16 times, as many as the entire Raptors’ team– that seems fair, doesn’t it? JV scored 12 points, with just 2 field goals. He was hampered by foul trouble, which gave Aaron Gray a chance for some run. Our bench-weary second stringer had more fouls (5) than points (4), but at least held the fort. 

Terrence Ross emerged from hiding to score 7 points, including 1 of 2 from distance, and Kyle Lowry continued his string of steady, unremarkable games with 11 points and 7 assists.

The Raps (on a 2-game win streak – oh joy) are in Milwaukee tonight.

Brian Boake is an editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

Apr 3, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Malcolm Lee (8) reaches in during the third quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

There are many similarities between the T’Wolves and Raps, one being their emphasis on Euro-League players. Spaniard Ricky Rubio, who also missed significant time earlier this season, is back and playing well at point guard. He is a bright light in the darkness for Minnesota. Ricky makes brilliant passes regularly, and is a terrific defender (he had 8 steals against Milwaukee on Wednesday). He struggles with his jump shot; should he ever start hitting with regularity, he will be a multiple All-Star. Russian Andrei Kirilenko is an NBA veteran who contributes on both sides of the ball. Derrick Williams started his career looking like another in the long list of Minnesota draft busts (Wesley Johnson or Jonny Flynn, anyone?), but seems to be figuring it out. Nikola Pekovic, a Montenegrin (I’ve never written that word before!), is an improving centre with an impressive array of inside moves. He will provide Jonas Valanciunas with all he can handle. The aging Luke Ridnour starts in the backcourt, and should be run over by DeMar DeRozan.

Apr 3, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) takes a shot against the Washington Wizards at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Washington 88-78. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Better days are ahead for Minnesota. They have played well recently, winning 3 of 4, so there’s no signs of tanking, despite being out of the playoff race months ago. The Wolves, like the Raps, don’t want more kids to tutor; both teams need a season free of major injuries.

The Raps handled this team easily in Toronto, winning by 19 in their only meeting. I think they can do it again, but it will be much closer. In what will not be a classic, the Raps win 91-88.

Brian Boake is a co-editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.