Timberwolves beat Pelicans 104-97 on Zion Williamson’s thunderous comeback
Anthony Edwards highlighted the performance of 32 points with seven three-pointers, and Minnesota Timberwolves beat the New Orleans Pelicans 104-97 on Tuesday night to take some of the shine off Zion Williamson’s return from a 27 game absence.
Williamson, who was sidelined with a strained left hamstring, had 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block in 27 minutes in his seventh game of the season.
Former Pelican Julius Randle scored 16 points and former LSU star Naz Reid had 13 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota, which led most of the game and even 13 points. Rudy Gobert had 14 rebounds and six blocks.
Edwards hit four early 3-pointers and had 14 points in less than seven minutes. He surpassed the 30-point mark for the ninth time this season.
Dejounte Murray scored 29 points for New Orleans, but CJ McCollumwho scored 50 points just two games earlier, shot 1 of 14 as the Pelicans lost for the 21st time in 24 games.
Takeaways
Timberwolves: Donte DiVincenzo started at point guard for the second night in a row Mike Conleywho was only the second time a backup in 132 games with the Timberwolves. DiVincenzo scored 10 and Conley eight.
Pelicans: Williamson and Murray worked well together in the Pelicans’ first game of the season with both in the lineup. Twice, Murray’s steals led to Williamson’s breakaway dunk — one of them a 360-degree double-clutch dunk. They just needed more help against Wolves.
A key moment
Edwards hit a free throw and a pair of 3-pointers during a 19-2 run in the third quarter that helped Minnesota turn a 64-57 deficit into a 75-66 lead with less than four minutes left. Minnesota was not far behind again.
Key statistics
Edwards shot 63.6% from 3-point range.
Next
The Timberwolves visit Orlando on Thursday. The Pelicans host Portland on Wednesday.
Associated Press reports.
(Want great stories delivered straight to your inbox? Create or sign in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized daily newsletter.)
Get more from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
2025-01-08 04:05:00
