The Raptors’ 117-94 loss to the Timberwolves showed the team at its worst. Their many offensive issues reared their ugly heads, amplified by Kawhi Leonard’s absence and Scottie Barnes’s first scoreless game since 2023.
While rough offensive games are part of the Raptors experience, bad defensive performances aren’t. Usually, when the Raptors aren’t making shots, they at least turn up the pressure defensively. That was not the case against Minnesota. The Timberwolves shot 56% from the field and 48% from behind the arc—and that’s with LaMelo Ball playing limited minutes because of early foul trouble.
The Raptors did not look like themselves. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, looked every bit like the team Toronto hopes to become: a strong, versatile defensive squad with enough offensive firepower to make the most of their ability to limit opposing scorers.
It wasn’t just a one-game thing either. The Timberwolves have the best defensive rating in the NBA after holding the Raptors and Magic to under 100 points and the fifth-best offensive rating. Six of their players are averaging at least 12 points per game, led by Anthony Edwards’s 28.7.
The Timberwolves have high-level scorers in Edwards and Ball and managed to surround them with two-way players, like Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, Ayo Dosunmu, Jonathan Kuminga, and Terrance Shannon Jr—most of whom are also floor spacers. Seven Timberwolves players shot at least 36% on over two 3-point attempts per game over the first three games. That’s exactly what the Raptors need around Leonard and Barnes.
So far, the Raptors have managed to surround Leonard and Barnes with other good defenders and an offensive punch from RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. However, the roster still lacks 3-point shooting and offensive versatility. Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamison Battle are the only players shooting over 30.4% from deep over the first three games.
It’s just one bad loss
It was a bad loss. There’s no denying that. The Raptors are supposed to at least hang with the top teams in the league this season, even with Kawhi Leonard sidelined. But it’s no reason to panic yet. The Raptors still have plenty of time left to learn from this game and be better. Plus, it’s very unlikely that Scottie Barnes will finish another game with zero points.
Their two meetings with the Magic might not be overly exciting, considering that Orlando will be without Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, but the Raptors will get chances to redeem themselves soon.
The currently 3-0 Los Angeles Lakers are waiting after Orlando, and November will feature a tough stretch with four consecutive games against the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks. Hopefully, Leonard will be available for most of those games and the Raptors can put their best foot forward.
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