Raptors Falter Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline
The Toronto Raptors faced a tough defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 128-126 on Wednesday. The Raptors maintained control for the first 24 minutes, but issues with turnovers and the dynamic performance of Anthony Edwards shifted the momentum in favor of Minnesota.
Key Game Details
- Date: February 5, 2026
- Final Score: Raptors 126, Timberwolves 128
- Raptors’ Record: 30 wins, 22 losses
Player Performance
- Brandon Ingram: 25 points
- Scottie Barnes: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists (reached 102 career double-doubles)
Ingram emphasized the need for the squad to return to fundamental basketball. He noted the importance of ball security and having a solid strategy for crucial moments. “Every game is different,” Ingram stated, highlighting an area for improvement.
The Raptors scored fewer than 22 points in the fourth quarter for the fourth consecutive game. This struggling fourth-quarter performance parallels their dismal 1-12 record against top-10 NBA teams. Toronto allowed nine turnovers in the second half, contributing to their downfall.
Coaching Insights
Head coach Darko Rajakovic attributed the loss to careless turnovers, which allowed the Timberwolves to capitalize and score easily in transition. He expressed concern over the team’s shooting struggles, stating, “When you’re not getting your shots, you score less.” Backup center Sandro Mamukelashvili acknowledged the team’s sloppiness with the ball, stressing the importance of controlling the game when ahead.
Upcoming Decisions
This loss occurred just before the NBA trade deadline, with the Raptors making a minor trade earlier in the day. In a three-team deal, veteran guard Chris Paul joined Toronto from the Los Angeles Clippers, while forward Ochai Agbaji, a future second-round draft pick, and cash moved to the Brooklyn Nets. Reports indicated that Paul might not be joining the Raptors in the immediate future.
As the Raptors seek to regroup, returning to their fundamentals will be crucial for their next games. The focus will be on improving their fourth-quarter performance and managing turnovers effectively.
