Pelicans Defeat Timberwolves, 123-109

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 123-109, at
Smoothie King Center on Sunday. In a battle between two teams looking to keep
playoff hopes alive, New Orleans were able to prevail with a gigantic win. They
really turned it on in the second half, as they dropped 75 points and outscored
Minnesota by 20 to complete the comeback. Rebounding was a huge factor for the
Pelicans, as they won that battle, 42-36. New Orleans also took advantage of
transition baskets, winning the fastbreak differential, 33-13. The Timberwolves
(28-41) needed this win to keep their playoff hopes alive, as they now sit 4.5
games behind the eight-seed in the west. Karl-Anthony Towns did all he could for
Minnesota, as he led the way with 33 points and six rebounds. Andrew Wiggins was
the only other starter with more than 10 points, as he tallied 25 points, two
rebounds, two assists and two steals. Ricky Rubio accrued 10 points, three
rebounds and 14 assists. Shabazz Muhammad was huge off the bench, providing 20
points and six rebounds. On deck for Minnesota is a home matchup against the San
Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. The Pelicans (29-41) are starting to find some rhythm,
as they’ve now won four of their last five games. Anthony Davis was the player
of the game, as he collected 28 points, 12 rebounds and three assists on
11-of-16 shooting. Jrue Holiday finished second among starters, amassing 21
points, three rebounds and seven assists. DeMarcus Cousins totaled 15 points, 11
rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jordan Crawford led the bench with 22
points on 9-of-13 from the field. New Orleans will look to keep rolling on
Tuesday in a home matchup versus the Memphis Grizzlies.