Dosunmu’s 26 Points Seal Timberwolves Win, Extending Cup Streak
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 115 to 109 on Friday, remaining undefeated in NBA Cup competition.
By Justin Brooks ·
Ayo Dosunmu provided the scoring surge for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 115 to 109 on Friday night. The victory was decided in a late-game sequence that saw the visitors pull away from a tight contest.
The game remained competitive until the final eight minutes. With the Pelicans holding an 89 to 87 lead with 7:55 remaining, LaMelo Ball answered a three-pointer by Dejounte Murray. Ball scored five consecutive points, sparking a 10 to 2 run that gave Minnesota a 97 to 91 advantage. The Timberwolves maintained that lead for the rest of the fourth quarter.
Ball finished the game with 22 points and eight assists. Jaden McDaniels contributed 23 points for Minnesota. Dosunmu’s 26 points were the team’s highest total in the win. The early momentum shifted when the Pelicans took a 24 to 22 lead after Karlo Matkovic hit three three-pointers, erasing an initial 13 to 5 advantage built by the visitors.
For New Orleans, Jeremiah Fears led the scoring with 24 points. Saddiq Bey added 17. Zion Williamson scored 13 points, which is the lowest total of his season. The loss ended a four-game winning streak for the Pelicans.
The result leaves the Timberwolves with a 7 to 3 overall record and a perfect 2 to 0 mark in NBA Cup play. The Pelicans fall to 4 to 5 on the season and 0 to 1 in the tournament. Minnesota will host the Utah Jazz on Sunday night. New Orleans plays at the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night.
