10 things from Raptors-Timberwolves

Welcome to the 10 things recap by theScore features writer William Lou, which serves to highlight emerging trends from a Raptors perspective.

1. Domination: There are a lot of good players capable of having great nights, but this is what a true superstar looks like. Kawhi Leonard bossed this game from start to finish, delivering 35 points on 15-of-23 shooting and scoring two clutch jumpers to fend off a late charge from the Timberwolves, all while playing lockdown defense. Those MVP chants actually ring true.
2. Perspective: In previous seasons, Jimmy Butler was the classic big wing scorer who always had his way with the Raptors. Butler once led an otherwise inept Bulls team to an inexplicable 12-game win streak over the Raptors, including an outing when he scored 41 points in a half to break one of Michael Jordan's records. Butler played well on Wednesday, but he couldn't do anything while matched up with Leonard, who was just straight-up bigger and stronger.
3. Superhuman: Butler generally avoided Leonard for the night, preferring instead to attack other matchups. On one of the rare occasions when Butler did go at Leonard, he tried to slip backdoor. That's when Leonard made a no-look dive to the floor to pick off a high-low bounce pass.
4. Worrisome: The Raptors' beleaguered second unit was already down Fred VanVleet (sore toe), and Delon Wright added to their woes when he seemingly re-aggravated his groin injury after just five minutes. Lorenzo Brown had to log 12 minutes, and it wasn't pretty.
5. Vital: Jonas Valanciunas bailed out Toronto's bench with two huge threes in the second half. During a time when the second unit is clearly struggling to find its rhythm, the group should look to feature Valanciunas on offense. He can always get a good shot in the post over most bench bigs and is also a threat in the pick-and-roll.
6. Unsung: Norman Powell also made some surprise contributions in the second half. He drilled a three, passed up some wild drives for a few pull-up jumpers, and found OG Anunoby for a key three in the fourth quarter. Powell lost his spot in the rotation due to injuries, but now he'll have a chance to earn it back with VanVleet and Wright out.
7. Weakness: Kyle Lowry is vulnerable against quick point guards like Jeff Teague who can dribble past and collapse the defense, and that was the main reason why the Timberwolves stayed close in this game. This is another area where VanVleet and Wright will be missed.
8. Steady: Serge Ibaka looks increasingly comfortable in his new role at center, and that's a credit to Nick Nurse for empowering his big man. Ibaka snagged three offensive rebounds for the fifth-straight game, and he's finishing well around the basket.
9. Downside: However, the one thing Ibaka still lacks is discretion. He's so eager to show off his limited handle that it often leads to needless turnovers. It's nice that Ibaka is making an effort, but he should just kick it out to his point guard instead of trying to make a play.
10. Perfect: The Raptors have now started the season 5-0, and they're showing tremendous poise in clutch situations. They just need to get healthy and solve their bench issues (those two are related), and the team could easily open up a sizable lead over the Celtics, who have been sputtering coming out of the gates.