Tonight at Target Center, we saw what was supposed to be the “Battle for the North” or something like that. Well, it wasn’t really a battle at all. When it was all said and done, the Raptors left Target Center on top by a score of 113-99 that doesn’t really show how much of a blowout the game actually was.
The Raptors beat the Wolves from beyond the arc tonight, sinking 13 0f 30 three-point shots on the night compared to the Wolves, who made just 5 of 14.
This game was a pretty entertaining back-and-forth battle in the first quarter as the Raptors only led by four at the end of the quarter, 31-27. Right away in the second quarter, the Raptors surged on a 15-2 spurt while Andrew Wiggins was on the bench and that ultimately opened up the game in the Raptors’ favor.
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The Raptors led at the half by a score of 60-46 and had an effective field goal percentage of 73% and made 10 of 19 three point attempts. Those type of statistics are starting to become typical for Timberwolves opponents, and it’s not at all a good thing. The Wolves are dead last this season in opponents field goal percentage allowed.
Leading the Raptors in the scoring column tonight was Lou Williams off the bench with 18 points (6-13 FG, 3-9 3FG, 3-3 FT). DeMar DeRozan added 17 points (6-12 FG, 1-1 3FG, 4-5 FT) and Terrence Ross scored 16 points (6-11 FG, 2-5 3FG, 2-2 FT) for the Raptors.
Our Timberwolves were led by none other than Wiggins, who scored 25 points (8-20 FG, 9-10 FT). Wiggins also added five rebounds and five assists in an absurd 44 minutes of play. Zach LaVine chipped in 22 points (10-16 FG, 1-4 3FG, 1-1 FT). Chase Budinger, who unfortunately shaved his glorious neck beard prior to this game, tallied 19 points (8-15 FG, 2-4 3FG, 1-3 FT) and continues his improved play in the increased minutes he’s getting lately.
This was an all-around very poor defensive effort from the Timberwolves. They were consistently late with their rotations and looked uninterested most of the game. Hopefully, this changes before the season ends and moving forward into next season.
Tweet of the Night
I watch these games so I can watch the young guys develop. But damn is it hard sometimes
— Gabby Dearth (@the_real_gabby) April 2, 2015
Clip of the Night
Anthony Bennett’s bad pass, shot, or whatever it was basically summed up the night for the Wolves.
Anthony Bennett's pass was slightly off target #Shaqtin https://t.co/v83rh4Q3kp
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 2, 2015
Star of the Night
Andrew Wiggins: 25 points (8-20 FG, 9-10 FT), 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks
On a night like tonight where the Wolves get demolished, we try to give the Star of the Night to the opposing team. Since the Raptors didn’t have one player stick out tonight, we went with Wiggins. Wiggins again played over 40 minutes and still produced. Wiggins continues to solidify his hold on the NBA Rookie of the Year with each game.
Other Notable Lines
- Zach LaVine: 22 points (10-17 FG, 1-4 3FG, 1-1 FT) 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 7 turnovers
- Chase Budinger: 19 points (8-15 FG, 2-4 3FG, 1-3 FT) 6 rebounds, 3 assists
- Justin Hamilton: 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-3 FT) 2 rebounds
Who’s Got Next?
The Timberwolves will host the Orlando Magic on Friday night, which will be the first meeting between these two teams since the Wolves’ fifth game of the season in which Ricky Rubio went down with his injury that forced him to miss significant time.
Stay tuned to DWW for a preview of this game on Friday.