Toronto Raptors 105 – Minnesota Timberwolves 100: Barely good enough

The Toronto Raptors were facing a Minnesota T’Wolves team they have “owned” in recent seasons. The Raps had won 18 of the previous 19 meetings, and were anxious to build upon an impressive win in Indiana. The ‘Wolves are injury-racked and playing out the string, as yet another playoff-free season winds down. The most excitement in Minneapolis/St. Paul is generated by young Canadian Andrew Wiggins. Assuming he can finish the season as strongly as he’s been the past few months, he should be awarded the Rookie of the Year.

Mar 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) gestures as he talks with forward Andrew Wiggins (22) on the bench during the Timberwolves 105-100 loss to Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

There was lots of excitement in the Air Canada Centre as fans (including his parents, sitting courtside) welcomed the young phenom home. Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, was also in attendance. I’ve seen happier funeral directors. The first quarter started well for Toronto, but Minnesota found some serious range from long-distance. Kevin Martin, whose continued NBA presence proves there’s room for a one-dimensional player if that dimension is shooting, had 18 points. The Raps were a step slow in getting to him, and he drained all 4 long balls he tried. He didn’t slow down, finishing with a ridiculous 37.

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The Raps couldn’t shake the Wolves (led by ex-Raps coach Sam Mitchell, standing in for Flip Saunders) and their improvisational offense. Jonas Valanciunas was dominating the boards, and scoring efficiently. That didn’t stop coach Dwane Casey from parking the big man on the bench in Q4. A grateful Wolves squad pulled to within a bucket, but a DeMar DeRozan rainbow jumper over Wiggins at 1:40, followed by a Lou Williams runout off a turnover, was just enough breathing room. It was only Lou’s third basket, as his shooting deserted him once again. A 3-ball late hit nothing but air, so he’s got work to do. Kyle Lowry also struggled, then departed the game halfway through Q3 shortly after landing badly due to a bodycheck from Chase Budinger. Greivis Vasquez played well in extended minutes, providing 11 points and 5 assists.

Wiggins found himself in early foul trouble, and needed to take a seat. Despite limited minutes, he scored 15 points, even saddled with five fouls. Several of his buckets were of the “did you see that?” variety.

Terrence Ross enjoyed a solid outing with 15 points. Can he do it again before April?

This game was almost a disaster for the Raps. Coach Casey will have no shortage of material to discuss today at film review, starting with “How can Kevin Martin and Chase Budinger score 56 points on us?”. Let’s hope the team returns to the form they showed against Indiana. A trip to Chicago is on for tomorrow night.

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