Anthony Edwards Embraces Team Play as Timberwolves Overwhelm Pelicans
In a display of unselfish basketball, Anthony Edwards opted to step back from the spotlight, allowing his teammates to shine as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-116. This victory marked the second triumph over the Pelicans in just three nights, reinforcing Minnesota’s growing momentum.
Edwards’ Quiet Night
Despite averaging an impressive 38.3 points over his previous six games, Edwards had a markedly different approach on Thursday. He registered just 11 points, taking only six shots during the contest. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also pulled down six rebounds, dished out four assists, and recorded three blocks. However, he also tallied a troubling eight turnovers in 31 minutes of play.
Yet, in the grand scheme, his subdued scoring was overshadowed by the collective effort of the team. The Timberwolves, aware of their opponent’s struggles (New Orleans sitting at a dismal 3-20), initially toyed with their prey before unleashing their strength when it mattered most.
Timberwolves’ Second Half Surge
With the score tight at 91-88 early in the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves ignited a decisive 15-0 run, propelling them to a commanding 103-91 lead with just over seven minutes remaining. This offensive explosion allowed Minnesota to pull away, outscoring New Orleans 37-26 in the final quarter, marking their fourth consecutive win.
Teammates Step Up
While Edwards took a back seat, his teammates delivered standout performances. Julius Randle led the charge with 28 points, complemented by nine rebounds and three assists. Jaden McDaniels contributed significantly with 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Naz Reid also made his mark with a solid 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Rudy Gobert added a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, including six offensive boards. Donte DiVincenzo showcased his shooting prowess, scoring 15 points with four three-pointers, and Jaylen Clark made an impact in limited minutes, scoring 12 points in just 14 minutes on the floor.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Minnesota improves to 14-8 on the season and positions itself just a game and a half behind the Houston Rockets (14-5), San Antonio Spurs (15-6), and Denver Nuggets (15-6), all of whom currently occupy the third, fourth, and fifth spots in the Western Conference.
The Timberwolves will look to continue their winning ways as they prepare to face off against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT, aiming to extend their impressive streak.
