Edwards, Reid help Timberwolves rout Raptors 133-85 to move into tie for first in West

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game agains the Toronto Raptors, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 28 points, Naz Reid added 23 and the Minnesota Timberwolves routed the short-handed Toronto Raptors 133-85 on Wednesday night to move into a tie for first-place in the Western Conference.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Monte Morris, right, celebrates with guard Anthony Edwards (5) after making a 3-point shot at the buzzer during the third quarter of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The Timberwolves began the day tied with Oklahoma City for second in the West, one-half game behind first-place Denver. Minnesota’s win moved it into a tie with the idle Nuggets with six games remaining for both teams.

Rudy Gobert had 11 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota, whose 48-point win marked its largest margin of victory this season.

Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick and Javon Freeman-Liberty all had 16 points for Toronto, which last 15 straight since its last win on March 3rd.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) points after making a 3-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Reid was hot from deep throughout the game as he shot 6 for 10 on 3-pointers. Edwards was 5 for 12 on 3s after combing to go 0 for 19 from deep over his last three games.

A bevy of injuries left Toronto with just eight available players. Gary Trent Jr. was a late scratch with back spasms, and Bruce Brown (knee), RJ Barrett (knee) and Kelly Olynyk rested after all playing in Tuesday nights 128-111 loss against the Lakers.

Toronto Raptors forward Jordan Nwora (13) works toward the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Malik Williams made his NBA debut, getting the start for the Raptors the same day he signed a 10-day contract. The former Louisville big man averaged 11.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this year for Sioux Falls of the G League.

Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) works toward the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Veteran guard Mike Conley rested for Minnesota after playing the previous night in a 113-106 win against Houston. The Wolves sat Edwards, Reid and Jaden McDaniels for the entire fourth quarter of this game with a 91-60 lead after three quarters.

UP NEXT

Raptors: At Milwaukee on Friday night.

Timberwolves: At Phoenix on Friday night.

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AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Monte Morris (23) celebrates after making a 3-point shot at the buzzer to end the third quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson (1) looks toward a referee after receiving a technical foul during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)