Anthony Edwards scored a season-high 44 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame the New Orleans Pelicans 149-142 in overtime Tuesday at Smoothie King Center.
Edwards, who struggled from deep in the first half, went 5 of 8 from three-point range after halftime and drove past Jose Alvarado for a layup with 2.3 seconds left in regulation to force OT.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch highlighted Edwards’ ability to read defenses and make the right plays. “He got some tough buckets when we absolutely needed it… even the shots that we missed were really good, wide open ones,” Finch said.
Rudy Gobert added 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Julius Randle scored eight points in overtime to secure Minnesota’s third straight victory, improving the team to 13-8. Jaden McDaniels contributed 17 points, with Donte DiVincenzo adding 15 and Naz Reid scoring 18 off the bench.
Finch acknowledged defensive inconsistencies that allowed New Orleans to build a second-quarter lead, calling the Pelicans’ 42 three-pointers in that quarter “unacceptable.” He credited a third-quarter timeout for halting the momentum and helping the Timberwolves claw back into the game.
The Timberwolves’ offensive execution down the stretch earned praise from Finch, who noted Edwards’ decision-making in the paint. “He made the right decision every single time… found our guys on the perimeter for the next play or the shot,” Finch said.
Minnesota shot 50% overall and 39% from three-point range, while New Orleans hit 55% from the field and 57% from deep. Minnesota also recorded 41 rebounds and 31 assists compared with the Pelicans’ 36 boards and 26 assists.
Finch emphasized team consistency as the next goal. “Always worried about such things, but it’s my job to get it more consistent,” he said. He also praised the Timberwolves’ ability to sustain pressure despite Edwards facing double teams, adding that the star guard “created great shots for his teammates” in critical moments.
The Pelicans, now 3-19, were led by Trey Murphy III with 33 points, Saddiq Bey with 22, and rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears with 21 each. New Orleans played without Zion Williamson due to a right adductor strain.
Minnesota and New Orleans will meet again on Thursday in New Orleans, where the Pelicans will look to reverse their fortunes, while the Timberwolves aim to extend their winning streak and maintain momentum in the Western Conference.
