The Minnesota Timberwolves bounced back in dominant fashion with a 134-93 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Julius Randle led the way with 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists, helping Minnesota (41-31) avenge its loss to the Pelicans earlier in the week. Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards each added 17 points, while Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Minnesota, now just one game behind Golden State for the No. 6 seed, outscored New Orleans 72-45 in the second half. The 41-point margin marked the Timberwolves’ largest win of the season.
Edwards briefly exited in the third quarter after holding his right thigh but returned later in the period. The three-time All-Star also contributed five assists and three rebounds.
Veteran guard Joe Ingles made his first start since January 2022 with his family in attendance. He finished scoreless in six minutes.
C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans (19-52) with 15 points, while Bruce Brown added 14. New Orleans was without Zion Williamson, who missed the game due to a bruised lower back.
Minnesota dominated the paint and second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Pelicans 20-4 in that category. McDaniels delivered one of the game’s biggest highlights with a dunk over rookie Yves Missi to put the Timberwolves up by 21 in the third quarter.
With 10 games left in the regular season, the Timberwolves continue their push for a higher playoff seed, while the Pelicans remain near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
