(Toronto) Dominant from the second quarter, the Toronto Raptors cruised to their fourth straight win on Wednesday, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-102.
Updated yesterday at 11:08 p.m.
Gary Trent had 29 points for the Raptors (44-32), who have won 10 of their last 12 games.
Trent hit six of eight shots from beyond the perimeter.
OG Anunoby scored 22 points including 18 in the first half, where he was 4-for-4 on three-pointers.
Pascal Siakam established a career high with 13 assists, in addition to amassing 12 points and 10 rebounds.
In 14 games since March 3, the Cameroonian had averaged 27.5 points before Wednesday.
“Sometimes you score a lot, sometimes it’s more about being a versatile player,” Siakam said. When I rushed to the basket, I was immediately surrounded by several players. On the other hand, it meant that many of our guys found themselves in the open. »
Fred VanVleet added 12 points, eight assists and five steals.
He finished the first half with a last-second three-pointer to give the Raptors a 62-60 lead.
Minnesota had had the drives 40-25.
The Raptors entered the third quarter with a 10-2 surge and after an Anunoby dunk, they led 81-70.
The lead grew to 15 points after 36 minutes, and the Raptors cruised to victory.
Earlier Wednesday, VanVleet was named one of 12 finalists for NBA Teammate of the Year (the Twyman Stokes Trophy).
The trophy highlights the notions of dedication to the team, selfless play and leadership, on and off the field.
Scottie Barnes scored 17 points, including 13 in the second half.
Precious Achiuwa went there by 13 points, three more than Thad Young.
Author of six points, Chris Boucher grabbed eight rebounds, including five on offense.
The Raptors will play their next game Friday in Orlando.
Chicago and Toronto have the same record, but the Bulls have the tiebreaker in their favor, giving them fifth place in the East.
Nick Nurse’s group has a cushion two games ahead of the seventh-placed Cavaliers.
Drafted first in 2020, Anthony Edwards had 24 points for the T-Wolves.
Karl-Anthony Towns provided 16 points and D’Angelo Russell 13.
Minnesota was without fourth and fifth pointers Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels. They are injured in the left ankle.
Seventh in the West, Minnesota is trying to escape the qualifying tournament, but Utah has a cushion of two and a half games.