By Canadian Press

Russell scores 16 points in 4th, Wolves beat Raptors 128-126

Jan 19, 2023 | 8:04 PM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — D’Angelo Russell scored 16 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, Anthony Edwards had 23 and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 128-126 on Thursday night.

Kyle Anderson added 20 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota, which was down Rudy Gobert and Austin Rivers and playing the second game of a back-to-back after a fourth-quarter collapse a night earlier in Denver.

The Timberwolves erased a 14-point deficit midway through the fourth with a defensive effort not typically seen from Minnesota, particularly without Gobert making an impact down low. Toronto scored just seven points in the final 9:46.

Scottie Barnes had 12 of his season-high 29 points in the fourth for Toronto, which had won four of six. Fred VanVleet added 25 points and 10 assists for the Raptors. Toronto scored 62 points in the paint without Gobert to protect the rim and added 23 fast-break points.

Edwards, who was 4 of 12 from the field through three quarters, tied the game at 124 with 3:56 left. Anderson’s runner in the lane gave Minnesota its first lead since 4:42 remaining in the first, and Russell added a pair of free throws.

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O.G. Anunoby’s 3-point attempt with 0.4 seconds remaining was off the mark. The Timberwolves outscored Toronto 23-7 over the final 9:46.

VANVLEET KEEPS GOING

VanVleet continued his strong run, taking advantage of Gobert’s absence down low by continually going inside. He was also 4 of 6 from 3-point territory.

VanVleet had scored at least 33 points in each of the previous two games.

TIP-INS

Raptors: VanVleet scored or assisted on Toronto’s final 16 points of the first half. … Joe Wieskamp, one his second 10-day contract, saw his first action for the Raptors this season and was 3 of 3 from 3. … Barnes has scored at least 21 points in four of his past five games

Timberwolves: Gobert (right groin soreness) and Rivers (left knee contusion) each missed his second straight game for Minnesota, which is still without Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan McLaughlin due to longer-term calf injuries. … Minnesota arrived back in town early Thursday morning from Denver.

UP NEXT

Raptors: Host Boston on Saturday

Timberwolves: Host Houston on Saturday night.

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More AP NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Brian Hall, The Associated Press