Frustration. The only word appropriate to describe the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ latest clash against the Toronto Raptors, and the locker room atmosphere thereafter. Marred by multiple miscues and poor shooting, the day couldn’t go worse for the Timberwolves as they lost 110-105, thanks to a late charge by the Raptors—they outscored their opponents 33-26 in the fourth quarter, with RJ Barrett leading the charge with 31 points, including 12 in the final quarter. But what’s worse was the post-game disappointment from Julius Randle, and the in-game irritation from Anthony Edwards that set the tone for the day.

Keep in mind, with this loss, the Wolves’ losing streak in Toronto reached 20 years and 20 games. The last time the team won in Toronto was on January 21, 2004, when the starting line-up constituted the likes of Kevin Garnett (who was on his way to his MVP season), Sam Cassell, Latrell Sprewell, Trenton Hassell and Ervin Johnson. Edwards was two years old back then. So, it’s understandable why they would appear vexed. But then again, we can’t undermine the possible tensions brewing within the team evident from Edwards’ heated rants caught on live television…

Tied 95-95 with around five minutes remaining, Rudy Gobert posted up Scottie Barnes and was wide open in the paint. The ball was in Julius Randle’s possession, but for reasons we’re still not aware of, he was hesitant to throw the pass. A frustrated Gobert slow-walked out of the paint, unable to avoid a three-second violation. “That was the wildest nonchalant three seconds I’ve seen,” the commentator could be heard saying, as Edwards dashed to his teammate to deliver an animated and heated monologue.

While the words weren’t exactly audible, it wouldn’t need an expert to know some tough phrases were being said. This comes barely a week after Ant-Man had sounded off on the team’s performance this season, after their November 13, 98-106 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. “We got the answers. The coach give us the f***in answers. We’re just not doing it as a team…We gotta come out with a chip on our shoulder. We gotta get the chip back. Whenever we get the chip back, we’ll be back where we need to be,” the 23-year-old had said.

Having said that, following the loss, Julius Randle, who put up an all-round effort (23 pts and nine rebounds), also criticized himself adding, “Four turnovers. It’s like way too many for me. I got to take accountability. I got back cut in the fourth quarter; that can’t happen. Just a couple plays, like offensive rebounds, I gave up stuff like that. So I just take accountability for myself and what I can do better.” 

However, the 3x NBA All-Star also had a heartfelt message to the broken team. Firstly, he acknowledged that it was a “low point” for the side. Then, JR ignited the fire with determination by imparting some truthful advice, saying, “I would say it’s a low point you know for us as a team and I know we’ll turn around. (I’ve) faith in everybody in this locker room that we’ll turn it around, but you know at this point we got to look ourselves in the mirror and decide what type of team we want to be on a consistent basis.”

Notably, Mike Conley was noticeably absent from the Raptors game due to a sprained toe on his left foot, though the injury shouldn’t turn into a long-term absence. Rookie guard Rob Dillingham also left the Raptors game during the third quarter with a right ankle sprain, along with Naz Reid, who was relegated out of the game with a knee injury after clashing with Scottie Barnes. So…

What went wrong with Anthony Edwards & Co. tonight?

It’s important to address that the Wolves haven’t been the same since the blockbuster. Even though Julius Randle is an elite addition, it hasn’t improved the side as much as one would hope. Last season, the team competed at the top of the West, but 15 games into the fresh season, the Wolves are at the 10th spot with an 8-7 record. Moreover, the team has also faced a few embarrassing defeats against teams like the Blazers and Spurs.

Coming into tonight’s game with a hot & cold run, the Raptors found the Wolves off guard and made them pay the price. Speaking of the loss at the post-game presser, Coach Chris Finch felt that the team lacked rhythm throughout the game. On the other hand, Anthony Edwards, who said that the Wolves were a defensive team, scored 26 points with three rebounds and two assists, in 36 minutes of play.

Nevertheless, Julius Randle, the newcomer, believed that the team would bounce back and also delivered a message to himself. He added, “We’ve had great games, we have not great games. Myself included, I have to look at myself in the mirror and say I got to be better.” 

Next up, the Wolves take on the mighty Boston Celtics. Will the Wolves prove their camaraderie by defeating the defending champs? Let us know in the comments.