- Timberwolves secure largest victory margin of season (41 points)
- Randle delivers 20 points with 6 rebounds and 5 assists
- Minnesota outscores Pelicans 72-45 in decisive second half
- Joe Ingles starts for first time in 26 months for family milestone
The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a statement victory Friday night, crushing the New Orleans Pelicans 134-93 at Target Center. This crucial win keeps Minnesota within striking distance of the Western Conference’s sixth seed, now trailing Golden State by just one game with 10 remaining in the regular season.
Julius Randle’s multifaceted performance – 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists – exemplified Minnesota’s balanced attack. The Timberwolves demonstrated improved focus against lower-ranked opponents after Wednesday’s disappointing loss, outrebounding New Orleans 56-38 and converting 20 second-chance points compared to the Pelicans’ 4.
Anthony Edwards provided an injury scare when he exited briefly in the third quarter clutching his right thigh, but the star guard returned to finish with 17 points and 5 assists. Rudy Gobert’s double-double (13 points, 12 rebounds) anchored Minnesota’s defensive efforts against a Zion Williamson-less Pelicans squad.
The emotional highlight came when 36-year-old Joe Ingles started for the first time since January 2022. This strategic move by Coach Chris Finch allowed Ingles’ autistic son Jacob to witness his father’s entire court appearance, marking a developmental breakthrough for the child.
From a regional perspective, Minnesota’s 41-point victory ranks as the third-largest margin in franchise history against Western Conference opponents. This performance suggests growing consistency for a team that’s historically struggled against sub-.500 clubs – a critical factor as they face four such teams in their final 10 games.
The Timberwolves’ dominance extended beyond the scoreboard. They limited New Orleans to 38.2% field goal shooting while converting 52% of their own attempts. Minnesota’s bench outscored Pelicans reserves 48-25, demonstrating crucial depth ahead of the postseason.
Industry analysts note three key trends emerging from this matchup:
- Western Conference teams now average 18.3 second-chance points against Minnesota – 12% below league average
- Timberwolves are 14-3 when three players score 17+ points
- Teams resting stars (like Williamson) are 2-8 against Minnesota this season
With Monday’s road test against Indiana looming, Minnesota must maintain this intensity. Their +4.7 point differential in conference games now ranks fifth-best in the West, signaling potential for a deep playoff run if health persists.