Julius Randle powered the Minnesota Timberwolves with 28 points and nine rebounds, leading them to a 125–116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night despite a rare quiet outing from Anthony Edwards.
Edwards, who erupted for 44 points in Tuesday’s overtime win in the opener of the two-game set, managed just 11 points in 31 minutes. But Minnesota didn’t need his scoring this time. Naz Reid delivered a strong all-around performance with 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Rudy Gobert posted 15 points and 12 rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo added 15 as the Timberwolves won their fourth straight.
The Pelicans, now 3–20 and losers of five in a row, were led by Trey Murphy III, who nearly notched a triple-double with 21 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Jeremiah Fears and Saddiq Bey each scored 20.
New Orleans opened the fourth quarter with a free throw to go up 91–88, but Minnesota responded with a 15–0 run to seize control. Reid, returning to his LSU roots, punctuated the burst with a pair of threes and an alley-oop slam. The Wolves maintained a steady cushion the rest of the way.
Up Next:
*Timberwolves: Host the Clippers on Saturday.
Pelicans: Visit Brooklyn on Saturday.*
