The Toronto Raptors were in preseason action tonight at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto against Andrew Wiggins and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the final score ended up being 112-105 in Toronto’s favor.

This was the first time the Toronto Raptors played at the Air Canada Centre since the 2015 NBA playoffs. It was also the first time the fans got to see the updated court, which included the new logo. Tonight’s game seemed like a homecoming of sorts for Toronto Raptors players such as Cory Joseph and Anthony Bennett as well as Minnesota Timberwolves teammates and brothers Andrew and Nick Wiggins. The Toronto Raptors started the game with no flow in their offense whatsoever. 

However, that quickly changed as the game proceeded. The Toronto Raptors had a double digit lead during the first half but the Minnesota Timberwolves trimmed that lead down to one going into half time that is until Kyle Lowry took over.

The former All-Star starter went off for a game-high and preseason career-high 40 points (13-18 FGs, 6-9 from 3) in 28 minutes of play. Lowry is also the first Raptor to score 40 points in the preseason, setting a franchise record in the process, the last player who got close to that was Vince Carter who had 38 points and was the previous franchise holder. Even though it's clearly only the preseason this was a very impressive performance by Lowry, who has been playing fantastic basketball these past couple of games and looks like he’s in mid-season form. It’s safe to say that Lowry is ready for the 2015-2016 NBA season to begin.

Other Raptors who had good games included small forward DeMarre Carroll who scored 11 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while center Jonas Valanciunas had 13 points and six rebounds, and backup point guard Joseph had 14 points and four assists. Veteran Luis Scola scored 12 points and added four rebounds. 

Shooting guard Terrance Ross, who started tonight’s game on behalf of DeMar Derozan who sat out due to rest, did not score any baskets. However, he contributed five rebounds, one assist, and two steals before rolling his ankle in the fourth quarter.

As for the Timberwolves, the reigning Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins led the way, scoring 21 points. Nemanja Bjelica added 12 points, and big man Gorgui Dieng contributed 11 points and six rebounds.

With the victory here tonight Toronto is now 3-1 in the preseason whereas the Wolves are 0-3 and still looking for their first preseason victory. The next time these two teams face off against each other will be in Canada’s nation capital Ottawa, Ontario on Wednesday night, which should be a sold out event. This is all in part of NBA’s fourth annual Canada series, which has already included games in Vancouver and Winnipeg.

The last Canada series game will be played in Montreal and will feature the Raptors and the Washington Wizards and will be the first time these two teams will face off since the 2015 NBA playoffs where Washington swept the Raptors 4-0. 

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Oti Donkor
21 year old College from Mississauga Ontario, Toronto Raptors fanatic. Follow me on twitter @otisdonks for basketball related tweets.