Recap: Raptors Put Up Fight In Loss To Timberwolves

The Toronto Raptors put up a strong effort against the Minnesota Timberwolves but fell short 112-101 to go to 1-2 on the season.

Minnesota got off to a strong start outscoring the Raptors 32-18. Toronto made thing interesting late in the fourth quarter, but turnovers proved costly for them.

The Raptors committed 20 turnovers and conceded 27 points from them.

Gradey Dick career-high performance

Dick stepped up in a big way with 5 rotation players out for the Raptors. He scored a new career-high 25 points in 4-for-19 shooting from the field which included 4 three-pointers. Dick continues to prove that he’s more than just a shooter. He did a good job of putting the ball on the deck and his movement off the ball has been strong. Dick led all scorers in this game.

Ochai Agbaji looks comfortable

Agbaji turned in another impressive outing. The 24-year-old had 19 points on an efficient 8-for-12 shooting from the field. He hit 3 threes and looks very comfortable shooting the ball. Agbaji has now had back-to-back nice performances for the Raptors and overall he has played much better since being integrated in the starting lineup. With RJ Barrett nearing a return, it’ll be interesting to see if Agbaji can keep up this improved play when he heads back to a bench role.

Scottie Barnes needs to be more aggressive early

Barnes had a nice game of 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists but he did have 6 turnovers. Barnes did most of his damage in the fourth quarter and only had 2 free throw attempts in this game after having 13 against the Philadelphia 76ers. If Barnes was more aggressive and assertive from the start of the game the Raptors would’ve avoided getting in a hole early and possibly could’ve had a chance to win the game. Barnes did struggle shooting the basketball going 9-for-19 from the field and 1-for-4 from three.

Next on tap

The Raptors will return home to take on a desperate Denver Nuggets team that has gotten off to a 0-2 start.

The Raptors are hoping to have some key rotation players back for this one.