Timberwolves dominate Pelicans with 41-point victory

On March 21, 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves hosted the New Orleans Pelicans in Minneapolis, demonstrating a commanding performance that resulted in a 134-93 victory. This win was crucial for the Timberwolves as they aimed to secure a stronger position in the tightly contested Western Conference playoff race, moving closer to the 6th seed. Julius Randle led the team with 20 points, supported by Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards, each contributing 17 points. Rudy Gobert added 13 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing Minnesota’s more efficient gameplay compared to previous outings. The game marked a significant turnaround for the Timberwolves, who had suffered a loss just three days prior to the Pelicans. They entered the match determined to avoid further slip-ups against one of the weaker teams in the conference. The Timberwolves dominated the second half, outscoring their opponents 72-45, which illustrates their strategic adjustments and increased energy post-halftime. Anthony Edwards, who had a brief injury scare during the third quarter, returned to help secure the win, highlighting the depth and resilience of the team. This victory emphasized Minnesota's capability to bounce back, especially as they have been known to underperform against lower-ranked teams. The Timberwolves' margin of victory was also noteworthy—it was their largest this season, adding to the confidence and morale surrounding the franchise. Additionally, Joe Ingles made a special return to the starting lineup for the first time since January 30, 2022, allowing his family, especially his son Jacob, to witness this moment live. In contrast, the Pelicans struggled throughout the game, playing without their star forward Zion Williamson due to a bruised lower back. C.J. McCollum led New Orleans with 15 points, but the team couldn't maintain competitiveness, falling behind early and failing to recover. As the Pelicans continue to grapple with their positioning in the standings, this loss could serve as a wake-up call for the squad as they aim to rebound in their upcoming matches. Looking ahead, the Timberwolves are set to face the Indiana Pacers, while the Pelicans will head to Detroit.