Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves lose to Raptors: 3 instant reactions

By Dylan Jackson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 19: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball against Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter of the game at Target Center on February 19, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 19: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball against Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter of the game at Target Center on February 19, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves lost a close game at home against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

86. Final. 86. 81. 81

The Timberwolves, once again, found a way to win after having one of the worst offensive halves of basketball of any team this season, scoring 15 and 20 points in the first and second quarter respectively.

Here are some reactions to the game:

1.     Karl-Anthony Towns completes this Timberwolves team.

Karl-Anthony Towns is just a downright incredible player – even after a slow start, he was able to affect the game in pretty much every way possible – rebounding, rim protecting, and scoring.

The Timberwolves lost in a close game on Friday night, but in no way, shape, or form was that Towns’ fault. He gave the Timberwolves 30 minutes and was clearly the best player on the floor for either team in that time.

2.     This Anthony Edwards dunk.

Like, ohhhh my god. Anthony Edwards may not have had a great shooting night, but this dunk will be the only thing he (or anyone) remembers. This was a career-ending, send-him-into-retirement type dunk. It was a poster to end all posters.

Anthony Edwards has had a really nice stretch of games recently. He played poorly tonight, but flashes like these make you more than excited about the 2020 first overall pick.

3.     The Timberwolves are capable of playing competent defense.

The Timberwolves had the eighth-worst team defensive rating entering the night but held the Raptors to 86 points – 20 below what they usually allow. With excellent performances from Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaden McDaniels, it makes you wonder how good everything can be once the roster is fully healthy.

The Timberwolves only scored 35 points in the first half – a mark that is inexcusable for an NBA offense in the year 2021. But the fact that they were able to make it a remotely competitive game despite that gives some semblance of hope moving forward.

Next. Two trade options at power forward for the Timberwolves. dark

The Timberwolves next game is against the Knicks on Sunday, February 21st at 6:00 p.m. CT. Check back Sunday for game coverage!

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