Timberwolves Beat Pelicans for Second Straight Win as Edwards Shines Again
The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their winning streak, notching their second consecutive victory by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans on the road despite Zion Williamson’s return to the Pelicans lineup for the first time in two months.
Anthony Edwards was the standout performer once again, following up his 53-point game against the Pistons on Saturday and his 37-point performance against the Clippers on Monday with yet another impressive showing. Edwards kicked off the game with a scorching hot start, propelling the Timberwolves to an early double-digit lead in the first quarter. His sharpshooting continued as he connected on 7 of 11 three-point attempts.
Over his last three games, Edwards has been on an absolute tear, scoring a franchise-record 122 points. His efficiency from long range has been remarkable, shooting an astounding 59% on high volume during this stretch. Edwards’ improved rebounding has also been a key factor in the team’s recent success, as he grabbed nine boards in this contest.
Timberwolves’ Offensive Challenges
While Edwards’ performance was fantastic, the rest of the team struggled to find their rhythm offensively. Outside of Edwards, the Timberwolves shot a dismal 24% from three-point range. This cold shooting allowed the Pelicans to stay in the game, despite their own offensive woes.
Turnovers continue to be a significant issue for Minnesota, as they committed more turnovers than New Orleans. This problem was particularly evident in the third quarter when the Pelicans capitalized on Timberwolves’ mistakes to build an eight-point lead.
Bench Contributions Continue
Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker provided crucial support off the bench. Reid’s activity on both ends of the floor was instrumental, especially in the fourth quarter. He finished with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, including six offensive boards. Alexander-Walker had a strong showing in his return to New Orleans as well, contributing to the bench’s continued strong play.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ performance against the Pelicans, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
• Rudy Gobert’s defensive impact and rim protection
• Julius Randle’s solid two-way performance
• Concerns about Minnesota’s ball-handling and point guard depth
