Edwards Leads Timberwolves' Epic Comeback Victory Over Raptors

Canada - Ekhbary News Agency

Edwards Fuels Timberwolves' Stunning Rally Against Raptors

In a thrilling contest that captivated basketball fans, the Minnesota Timberwolves orchestrated a dramatic comeback, defeating the Toronto Raptors 128-126. The victory, secured on Wednesday, was largely powered by an electrifying second-half performance from star guard Anthony Edwards, who ignited his team's charge after trailing by as many as 18 points.

Edwards was the undisputed catalyst for the Timberwolves, scoring a game-high 30 points. His offensive brilliance truly shone in the latter half, where he contributed an astounding 21 points. This surge not only kept Minnesota in contention but ultimately propelled them to a hard-fought victory, marking a significant turnaround from their early struggles.

The Timberwolves, now boasting a 32-20 record, demonstrated resilience and strategic adjustments that proved decisive. Jaden McDaniels provided crucial support with 19 points, while Rudy Gobert anchored the paint with a double-double, recording 10 points and 12 rebounds. Gobert's presence was pivotal, particularly in controlling the boards and providing defensive stability in the game's closing stages.

Conversely, the Toronto Raptors, whose season record now stands at 30-22, were left to rue what might have been. Despite a strong start that saw them build a commanding lead, their offense faltered in the second half, allowing Minnesota to claw its way back. Scottie Barnes was a standout performer for the Raptors, achieving his 102nd career double-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. This milestone places him fifth on the Raptors' all-time list for double-doubles, surpassing notable players and tying Pascal Siakam.

Further offensive contributions for Toronto came from Brandon Ingram, who added 25 points, and Immanuel Quickley, who chipped in with 23 points and eight assists. However, their collective efforts were ultimately insufficient to withstand the Timberwolves' second-half onslaught.

The narrative of the game was dramatically shaped by the stark contrast in defensive intensity between the two halves. In the first half, the Timberwolves' defense struggled significantly, allowing the Raptors to score an overwhelming 72 points. This defensive lapse allowed Toronto to establish a substantial lead, reaching a maximum of 18 points.

However, a significant tactical and mental shift occurred at halftime. The Timberwolves emerged with renewed defensive focus, tightening their coverage and significantly impacting the Raptors' offensive flow. This defensive resurgence was evident in their rebounding dominance, as they outrebounded Toronto 20-15 in the third and fourth quarters combined. This control of the boards limited second-chance opportunities for the Raptors and provided Minnesota with more possessions to fuel their comeback.

The Raptors' offensive struggles in the second half were compounded by costly turnovers. In the final 24 minutes of play, Toronto committed nine turnovers, several of which proved particularly damaging. These unforced errors provided the Timberwolves with crucial transition opportunities, allowing them to capitalize on defensive stops and narrow the deficit.

A pivotal moment in the game occurred with just over two minutes remaining. Anthony Edwards, demonstrating his clutch gene, stole the ball from Toronto's RJ Barrett. He then streaked down the court for a spectacular breakaway dunk, giving the Timberwolves their first lead since the opening quarter and sending the visiting bench into a frenzy. This play not only shifted the momentum but also visibly impacted the Raptors' confidence.

The subsequent possession saw another critical defensive play from the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert stripped Barrett of the ball once more, forcing another turnover and drawing a foul. These consecutive defensive plays, executed under immense pressure, were instrumental in securing the lead and ultimately the victory for Minnesota.

Adding to the Raptors' frustration, their usually reliable three-point shooting was uncharacteristically potent in this game. They converted 15 of 31 three-point attempts, equating to an impressive 48.4 percent. This performance was significantly above their season average of 34 percent, suggesting that while their offense had moments of brilliance, it lacked sustained execution, particularly in the crucial second half.

Looking ahead, the Minnesota Timberwolves are set to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. This victory provides significant momentum as they continue their push for a strong playoff seeding.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 4, 2026.

Ekhbary News Agency