Timberwolves Hand Pelicans 115-109 NBA Cup Loss

The Timberwolves ended New Orleans’ four-game run with a 115-109 win in the NBA Cup opener on November 6. The Pelicans shot more accurately from the floor and from three-point range, but Minnesota took 15 more three-point attempts, collected 17 offensive rebounds and had a substantial edge in free throws.

New Orleans led 89-87 with 7:55 left, then Minnesota scored eight straight points and held on. The Timberwolves won the fourth quarter 38-30. Pelicans scorers Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III totaled 23 points, taking 17 shots between them.

Jeremiah Fears led New Orleans with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. Karlo Matkovic scored 18, including 16 in the first quarter, while Saddiq Bey added 17. Trendon Watford had 12 points and six rebounds in 19 minutes.

Williamson finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists; Murphy had 10 points and five assists. Dejounte Murray scored seven. Herb Jones played 14 minutes, fouled out early in the fourth quarter and received a technical foul. Derik Queen had six points and four turnovers in 10 minutes.

The defeat came after New Orleans had won four straight following an 0-4 start. The performance also renewed concerns about the team’s offensive organization and defense. The Pelicans attempted 24 three-pointers, compared with Minnesota’s 39.