Zion Williamson led the New Orleans Pelicans to a commanding 117-106 win against the top-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves, scoring 27 points during Wednesday’s NBA action.
This victory marks the Pelicans’ fourth consecutive win and ninth in the last 12 games. CJ McCollum contributed 24 points, while Brandon Ingram added 19, helping the team pull away in the second half.
The Pelicans, coming off a comfortable win against Brooklyn where Williamson and Ingram played less than 30 minutes each, continued their strong form on the road. They showcased impressive shooting, hitting 55.6% from the field, with Williamson and Ingram combining for an 18-26 shooting performance.
“We’ve all been locked in and connected on the defensive end, and that leads to a lot of better things on the offensive end; transition points and just the movement of the ball,” Williamson said. “So, when me, CJ and B.I. do get in our iso, we’ve got more space.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Anthony Edwards scored a notable 35 points for the Timberwolves, and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 22. Despite these efforts, Minnesota suffered their second consecutive loss, a first for them this season, and saw their home record dip to 14-2.
Minnesota struggled with their shooting accuracy, managing only 38.7% through the first three quarters and ending the game with 13 turnovers, which the Pelicans converted into 16 points. Edwards had six turnovers, and Towns was 8 of 19 from the field, missing all four of his three-point attempts.
“I give that credit to B.I., especially at the end of the second quarter,” Williamson said. “He made that separation. He was just getting to it. And then in the third quarter, that energy continued with the whole team.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Edwards acknowledged the team’s responsibility in executing the coaches’ game plan and stressed the need for the players to step up their efforts. The Pelicans capitalized late in the first half with a 25-9 run, propelled mainly by Ingram’s performance, to establish a significant lead they extended in the third quarter.
“It’s on us because the coaches do a great job bringing the game plan and making sure we’re prepared,” Edwards said. “And the rest of it is on us. They keep asking us to play hard, and they shouldn’t have to say it. We got to figure it out.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Pelicans coach Willie Green, who had expressed frustration over a missed foul call on Williamson in their previous game, received a technical foul for contesting a no-call during a drive-by Williamson. Green later emphasized that he clearly saw the foul, unlike in the previous game.
“I saw him get fouled, that’s the difference,” Green said. “I couldn’t see it last night, but tonight I saw it and it was clear.”
Looking ahead, the Pelicans are set to host the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Timberwolves will face the Houston Rockets, both games scheduled for Friday night.
