In a commanding performance at Target Center, the Minnesota Timberwolves clinched a decisive victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, winning 134-93 on March 21, 2025. This victory represented the Timberwolves’ largest margin of victory this season, a robust 41 points, showcasing their dominance after suffering a surprising defeat to the same team just days prior.
The Timberwolves wasted no time in asserting their control over the game, fueled by a strong start and explosive shooting from beyond the arc. They particularly excelled in three-point shooting, hitting 19 of their 33 attempts, while the Pelicans managed only 33 points from long range. This significant disparity underscored Minnesota’s offensive firepower that has been pivotal throughout the season.
Julius Randle spearheaded the Timberwolves’ scoring with an impressive 20 points, complemented by six rebounds and five assists. Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards each contributed 17 points apiece, while Rudy Gobert added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Timberwolves were also notably efficient, sinking 19 of their 20 free throws and assisting on 40 of their 48 made field goals. This teamwork was crucial in maintaining their lead throughout the matchup.
For the Pelicans, who entered the game as the second-worst team in the Western Conference, the absence of star forward Zion Williamson was a significant blow. Williamson missed the game due to a lower back contusion, leaving the Pelicans struggling to keep pace. C.J. McCollum attempted to fill the void, leading his team with 15 points, but he was far from effective, shooting just 1 of 7 from three-point range. Bruce Brown added another 14 points, though the overall performance of the team was marked by a staggering 26 turnovers that ultimately led to 37 points for the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves’ head coach Chris Finch emphasized the need for a strong performance after the prior loss to the Pelicans, stating, “We understood we didn’t come out ready last time, and that was a lesson learned. Tonight, we had to show what we are capable of against teams with records like theirs.” Indeed, Minnesota took a commanding 72-45 lead in the second half, ensuring there was little doubt about the outcome from that point onward.
In addition to the stellar play on the court, the matchup was also significant for Timberwolves’ player Joe Ingles. He received a special gesture from Finch, who gave him a starting nod so that his family could share in the experience. Ingles’ son, Jacob, who has autism, was able to see his father play for the first time. “Sometimes, you got to do the human thing,” said Finch, reflecting on the sentiment behind this decision. “It gave us just the right boost that we needed and change of energy.”
As the game progressed, the Timberwolves extended their dominance, highlighted by a powerful dunk from McDaniels that electrified the crowd and pushed Minnesota’s lead to an unassailable margin. They finished the game having outscored the Pelicans 20-4 in second-chance points, highlighting their ability to capitalize on rebounds and missed opportunities.
With this victory, the Timberwolves improved their record to 41-31, keeping them within striking distance of the Golden State Warriors for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoff standings. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, now sitting at 19-52, face an uphill battle as they look ahead to their next game against the Detroit Pistons.
The Timberwolves’ performance showcased not only their offensive prowess but also their ability to recover quickly from setbacks, positioning themselves well as the NBA regular season approaches its conclusion.
Next up for the Timberwolves is a matchup against the Indiana Pacers on March 24, 2025, as they aim to build on their recent momentum.
