Timberwolves Snap 20-Year Drought in Toronto Behind Edwards’ Fourth-Quarter Heroics
For the first time since 2004, the Minnesota Timberwolves walked out of Toronto with a win. That’s right - the longest single-city losing streak in franchise history is finally over. But it didn’t come easy.
This Timberwolves squad has had its share of distractions lately. Trade chatter has swirled around the team all week, with the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga looming and Mike Conley’s recent departure shaking up the locker room. Monday’s flat performance in Memphis only added to the unease, and for much of Wednesday night, it looked like Minnesota might be headed for another forgettable outing.
A Defensive Sieve Early On
The Wolves came out of the gate looking like they hadn’t learned much from the Memphis loss. The defensive effort was once again suspect - and that’s putting it kindly.
After posting a 138 defensive rating in Memphis, they matched that exact number in the first half against the Raptors. That’s two straight games of first-half defense that just wasn’t up to playoff-caliber standards.
By halftime, Minnesota had allowed 30 points in eight consecutive quarters - a stat that head coach Chris Finch had already flagged as a major red flag earlier in the week. And through three quarters in Toronto, the script didn’t change much.
Whenever the Wolves made a push offensively - often powered by Bones Hyland, who was electric off the bench with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting - they couldn’t string together enough stops to close the gap. Toronto’s transition game, the most lethal in the league, kept punishing Minnesota’s defensive breakdowns.
The Fourth Quarter Flip
Then came the fourth quarter - and everything flipped.
The Raptors had been thriving in transition, capitalizing on mismatches and cross-matches to generate easy buckets. But suddenly, Minnesota found a lineup that clicked: Donte DiVincenzo, Bones Hyland, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Rudy Gobert.
That group brought energy, length, and a sense of urgency that had been missing. They jumped passing lanes, forced turnovers, and moved the ball with purpose.
Within five minutes, a 16-point deficit was trimmed to just three.
That’s when the Wolves turned to their star.
Anthony Edwards: The Closer
Anthony Edwards is no stranger to the spotlight, but this was something else. Battling through multiple injuries - including a nagging foot infection - he admitted postgame that he’s more banged up than people know. You wouldn’t have guessed it watching him in the fourth.
With just nine points at halftime, Edwards had been quiet through the first three quarters. But when his team needed a spark - emotionally and physically - he answered in a way only true franchise players can. With Conley gone and the locker room in flux, this was Edwards stepping into his leadership role in full.
The Toronto crowd tried to rattle him. Instead, they lit the fuse.
After drilling a three-pointer, Edwards waved to the fans, inviting the noise. Then he went to work.
Gliding up and down the court, he carved up the Raptors’ defense possession after possession. Every touch felt like a dagger.
He poured in 13 points in the final 5:09 of regulation - all of them clutch, all of them necessary - and led Minnesota to a comeback win that felt bigger than just one night. It was a reminder of who he is and who the Timberwolves can be when he’s locked in.
Notebook Nuggets
1. Julius Randle’s Defensive Lapses Continue
It’s hard to ignore how much Julius Randle has struggled on the defensive end lately. With trade rumors swirling, his effort has looked inconsistent at best.
There’s been a noticeable drop in defensive intensity, and it’s impacting the team’s ability to get stops when it matters. Offensively, Randle’s still finding ways to get to the rim, but his three-point shooting - just 31% over his last 15 games on five attempts per night - has taken a hit.
That inefficiency is bleeding into his defense, and it’s something to monitor closely as the trade deadline approaches.
2. Jaden McDaniels: Steady Amid the Storm
If Jaden McDaniels is feeling the weight of trade rumors, he sure isn’t showing it. With his name floating in hypothetical Giannis deals, McDaniels responded with a rock-solid 19-point performance on 8-of-13 shooting.
He was a key piece of the Wolves’ comeback lineup, and his on-ball defense against Toronto’s perimeter threats - namely Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley - was a difference-maker. After the game, McDaniels acknowledged the rumors, but his play spoke louder.
He’s been unshakable, and that’s exactly what Minnesota needs right now.
What’s Next
The Timberwolves head back to Minneapolis with a weight off their shoulders and a chance to reset. They’ll ride into the trade deadline from the comfort of home, kicking off a six-game homestand that straddles the All-Star break.
First up? A Friday night matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans - a team that’s reportedly staying put at the deadline despite mixed results this season.
For Minnesota, the focus now shifts to building momentum. Wednesday’s win wasn’t just about ending a 20-year drought in Toronto. It was about resilience, leadership, and a team rediscovering its identity when it mattered most.