Anthony Edwards put on a stellar performance with 32 points, including seven three-pointers, to guide the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 104-97 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Minnesota improved to 19-17, while the Pelicans dropped to a league-worst 7-30.
Zion Williamson made his much-anticipated return after missing 27 games due to a hamstring injury. In just his seventh game of the season, he contributed 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block in 27 minutes of action. Despite his strong showing, New Orleans fell short in its bid for a win.
Julius Randle added 16 points for Minnesota, while Naz Reid notched a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Rudy Gobert dominated defensively, hauling in 14 rebounds and recording six blocks. Donte DiVincenzo, starting for a second straight game, scored 10 points and dished out seven assists, while Mike Conley contributed eight points off the bench.
Dejounte Murray was the lone bright spot for the Pelicans, scoring 29 points and registering six assists and six steals. CJ McCollum, who had scored 50 points just two games prior, struggled mightily, shooting 1-of-14 from the field and finishing with just five points.
Minnesota capitalized on New Orleans’ shooting woes, as the Pelicans managed just 37.2% from the field and 29.3% from beyond the arc. The Timberwolves also outpaced the Pelicans on the glass, grabbing 53 rebounds to New Orleans’ 46.
Edwards’ efficiency from deep—63.6% on three-point attempts—proved crucial as the Timberwolves overcame a slow start.
Minnesota also benefited from balanced contributions across its roster. Reid and Gobert controlled the paint, while DiVincenzo provided stability at point guard in Conley’s limited role. The Timberwolves’ defense forced 14 Pelicans turnovers, further compounding New Orleans’ struggles.
