Timberwolves
PelicansThe Minnesota Timberwolves came back to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 115-109 on Friday, November 6, at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. They trailed by 2 after three quarters.
The Timberwolves led 57-51 at halftime. The Pelicans still led 79-77 after three quarters, but the Timberwolves won the fourth quarter 38-30. The biggest lead for the Timberwolves was 11 points; the Pelicans led by as many as 7.
Top performers
Ayo Dosunmu led the Timberwolves with 26 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including 4 3-pointers. Jaden McDaniels added 23 points and 6 rebounds. For the Pelicans, Jeremiah Fears had 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Karlo Matkovic added 18 points.
The Pelicans bench outscored the Timberwolves reserves 37-19.
- Ayo Dosunmu (MIN): 26 PTS, 2 REB, 4 AST, 8-14 FG, 39 MIN
- Jeremiah Fears (NOP): 24 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 9-16 FG, 36 MIN
- Jaden McDaniels (MIN): 23 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 8-19 FG, 40 MIN
- LaMelo Ball (MIN): 22 PTS, 2 REB, 8 AST, 7-15 FG, 35 MIN
- Karlo Matkovic (NOP): 18 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 7-13 FG, 18 MIN
- Jonathan Kuminga (MIN): 17 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 5-12 FG, 34 MIN
By the numbers
The Timberwolves shot 43.2% from the field (38-of-88) and went 12-of-39 from three-point range; the Pelicans shot 45.3% and went 10-of-24 from deep. The Timberwolves won the rebounding battle 49-41. Fast-break points favored the Pelicans, 30-11. Assists: Timberwolves 23, Pelicans 25.
Context
The Timberwolves improved to 7-3 with their third straight win, while the Pelicans fell to 4-5. It was the teams' first meeting of the season.
Up next: the Timberwolves host the Mavericks on Thursday, Nov 12; the Pelicans host the Grizzlies on Friday, Nov 13.
Attendance: 17,767 at Smoothie King Center. Officials: James Williams, Aaron Smith and Simone Jelks.