Timberwolves Defeat Pelicans to Maintain Perfect NBA Cup Record
Ayo Dosunmu scored 26 points as Minnesota defeated New Orleans 115-109, ending the Pelicans' four-game winning streak.
By Samuel Hayes ·
The NBA regular season is underway, and the Timberwolves have yet to lose a game in the tournament portion of the schedule. Minnesota defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 115-109 on Friday night at the Smoothie King Center.
Ayo Dosunmu led the offensive effort for the visitors with 26 points. LaMelo Ball contributed 22 points and eight assists, while Jaden McDaniels added 23 points for the 7-3 Timberwolves.
The game featured a late shift in momentum that decided the outcome. New Orleans held an 89-87 lead with 7:55 remaining after a three-pointer by Dejounte Murray. Ball answered with five straight points, sparking a 10-2 run that put Minnesota up 97-91. The Wolves did not surrender that lead again.
New Orleans (4-5) fell to 0-1 in NBA Cup play, snapping a four-game winning streak. Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with 24 points, and Saddiq Bey scored 17. Zion Williamson, who enters this stretch averaging 21.5 points per game, finished with a season-low 13 points.
The contest began with a back-and-forth first quarter. Minnesota took an early 13-5 lead after Dosunmu hit two three-pointers. Karlo Matkovic answered with three consecutive threes for New Orleans, helping the home team build a 17-4 run. Fears made a basket to give the Pelicans a 24-22 lead before Minnesota regained control.
Both teams resume play on Sunday night. The Timberwolves will host the Utah Jazz, while the Pelicans travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
