NEW ORLEANS – Zion Williamson’s dynamic performance powered the New Orleans Pelicans to a 121-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Williamson, bouncing back from a lackluster outing in the NBA In-Season Tournament, scored a season-high 36 points, while CJ McCollum’s crucial fourth-quarter three-pointers bolstered the Pelicans’ offense.
The game was a significant rebound for the Pelicans, who were coming off a heavy 133-89 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers. Williamson, in particular, faced criticism following that loss for his subdued play against the Lakers, but he responded emphatically against the Timberwolves.
Williamson’s aggressive approach paid off as he repeatedly drove to the basket, showcasing his strength and finesse against Minnesota’s top-rated defense, including center Rudy Gobert. His standout moment came with a double-pump floater as he was fouled, extending the Pelicans’ lead late in the game. He finished with an impressive 13-of-17 shooting and was successful in 10 of 12 free-throw attempts.
CJ McCollum praised Williamson’s performance, highlighting his ability to score over Gobert. Williamson’s resilience in the face of criticism was also commended by his teammates, with McCollum acknowledging the forward’s sharp, assertive, and locked-in approach.
The Timberwolves, missing leading scorer Anthony Edwards due to injury, relied on Karl-Anthony Towns, who provided 17 points and 12 rebounds but fouled out with over two minutes remaining. Mike Conley and Naz Reid also contributed 17 points each for Minnesota, which had been on a strong run, winning nine of its previous ten games.
Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas were key contributors for New Orleans, scoring 20 points and 14 points with 13 rebounds, respectively. This victory marked the Pelicans’ first win in three meetings with the Timberwolves this season.
The Timberwolves struggled in the fourth quarter, taking nearly four minutes to score their first basket. Despite briefly narrowing the gap, the Pelicans, led by Williamson’s dominance, maintained control, with Ingram and McCollum providing crucial support.
Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin acknowledged Williamson’s impact, noting his forceful and downhill play. The first half was closely contested, with Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum each scoring double digits for New Orleans, and Ingram’s long-range bank shot giving the Pelicans a seven-point halftime lead. McLaughlin himself hit a notable half-court shot at the end of the third quarter.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves face a challenging game against Dallas, while the Pelicans will take on Washington.
This victory for the Pelicans highlighted Williamson’s resilience and the team’s ability to bounce back from adversity, setting a positive tone for their upcoming games.
