Timberwolves vs Pelicans Score: Anthony Edwards delivered a spectacular late-game takeover as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 149–142 in an overtime thriller on Tuesday night in New Orleans. Edwards erupted for a season-high 44 points, including a fearless driving layup with 2.3 seconds left that forced overtime and shifted the game’s momentum entirely in Minnesota’s favor. The Pelicans, who appeared in control with a late four-point lead, went scoreless in the final minute of regulation and suffered their 13th loss in 14 games.
Minnesota’s victory marked its third straight win, fueled by Edwards’ second-half scoring surge, Julius Randle’s overtime presence, and Rudy Gobert’s interior dominance. For New Orleans, the night showcased strong individual performances but exposed critical late-game breakdowns that have defined their challenging season.
Key Takeaways: Timberwolves vs Pelicans Score, Highlights & Stats
- Anthony Edwards scored 44 points, including 34 in the second half and the game-tying layup with 2.3 seconds remaining.
- Timberwolves won 149–142 in OT, securing their third straight victory.
- Pelicans led 129–125 with 1:03 left but did not score again in regulation.
- Julius Randle scored eight points in overtime, finishing with 16 overall.
- Rudy Gobert contributed 26 points, 13 rebounds, and three OT dunks.
- Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 33 points, while Saddiq Bey scored 22.
- Pelicans are now 3–19, the worst record in the league, and have lost 13 of their last 14 games.
- Zion Williamson missed his 12th game of the season with a right adductor strain.
Edwards Takes Control After Slow First Half
Anthony Edwards entered the contest averaging 37.2 points across his previous five games, but the first half tested his rhythm. He struggled early from distance, missing four of his first five three-point attempts. Yet as the game progressed, Edwards transformed into the dominant force Minnesota needed.
His second half was a showcase of elite scoring. Edwards connected on five of eight three-pointers and attacked the rim relentlessly, repeatedly breaking down the Pelicans’ defensive coverages. The turning point came in the final seconds of regulation, when Minnesota trailed 129–127. Edwards blew past Jose Alvarado for a driving layup, finishing through contact with 2.3 seconds left to force overtime.
It was a moment that not only extended the game but immediately shifted the energy inside the Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans Build Momentum But Collapse Late
New Orleans displayed its potential in stretches, particularly during a powerful second-quarter run. After trailing 55–53, the Pelicans erupted on a 15–0 scoring burst that turned the tide. Saddiq Bey fueled the push with seven straight points, while Trey Murphy III added five more. Their surge contributed to a dominant 43–27 second quarter in favor of New Orleans.
Murphy finished with 33 points, showing confidence both from deep and in transition. Bey added 22, and rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears each delivered 21 points, highlighting the team’s young talent.
However, New Orleans’ offensive rhythm unraveled in the final minute. Derik Queen’s dunk with 1:03 remaining gave the Pelicans a 129–125 advantage, but they never scored again in regulation. Minnesota tightened its defense, forced contested shots, and capitalized on every possession.
For a team now sitting at 3–19, the late-game collapse mirrored the broader struggles of a season marred by inconsistency and injuries.
Timberwolves Dominate Overtime Behind Randle and Gobert
While Edwards carried Minnesota into the extra frame, the overtime surge belonged to Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. Randle, who finished with 16 points, scored eight in overtime, stabilizing the offense and repeatedly answering New Orleans’ defensive rotations with strong, decisive plays.
Gobert delivered one of his most impactful offensive outings of the season. His 26 points and 13 rebounds were complemented by three emphatic dunks in overtime, helping Minnesota outpace a fading Pelicans defense.
Jaden McDaniels added 17 points, providing valuable support in a game where Minnesota needed every contributor to overcome New Orleans’ second-quarter outburst and balanced scoring.
Zion Williamson’s Absence Continues to Trouble New Orleans
The Pelicans once again played without Zion Williamson, who was ruled out with a right adductor strain. This marked his 12th missed game in 23, a concerning trend for a team already struggling to find continuity.
Williamson has averaged 22.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in his 10 appearances, making his absence especially costly in tight, physical matchups like this one. Without his interior presence, New Orleans lacked late-game shot creation and rim pressure, contributing to their scoring drought in the final minute of regulation.
Momentum Swings Define a High-Scoring Contest
The Timberwolves–Pelicans matchup featured multiple dramatic shifts. New Orleans’ massive second-quarter explosion gave them breathing room, but Minnesota’s relentless second-half pressure and Edwards’ superstar performance erased the deficit.
The Pelicans’ inability to execute in late-game situations, paired with Minnesota’s poise and physicality, ultimately decided the outcome. The Timberwolves controlled the tempo in overtime, outscoring New Orleans decisively and closing out the 149–142 win with authority.
A Statement Win for Minnesota and Another Missed Opportunity for New Orleans
The Timberwolves’ victory showcased their rising confidence and ability to win under pressure. Anthony Edwards continues to cement himself as one of the league’s premier late-game performers, while Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert’s overtime execution highlighted Minnesota’s growing balance and depth.
For the Pelicans, the loss reinforced the ongoing challenges of a young roster dealing with injuries, inconsistent defense, and late-game execution issues. Their offensive droughts and defensive lapses overshadowed strong individual performances, deepening concerns for a season trending in the wrong direction.
Minnesota, however, walked away with a hard-earned win — a testament to resilience, star power, and the ability to perform when the game is on the line.
FAQs on Timberwolves vs Pelicans OT Game
1. What was the final score of the Timberwolves vs Pelicans game?
The Timberwolves beat the Pelicans 149–142 in overtime after Anthony Edwards forced OT with a clutch layup in the final seconds.
2. How many points did Anthony Edwards score against the Pelicans?
Anthony Edwards scored 44 points, including 34 in the second half, and forced overtime with a decisive late-game drive.
3. Who led the Pelicans in scoring in the Timberwolves matchup?
Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 33 points, followed by Saddiq Bey with 22 and rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears with 21 each.
4. Why did the Pelicans lose despite leading late in the game?
The Pelicans led 129–125 with 1:03 remaining but went scoreless in the final minute, allowing Minnesota to force overtime.
5. Did Zion Williamson play against the Timberwolves?
No. Zion Williamson missed the game due to a right adductor strain, marking his 12th absence in 23 games this season.
