Timberwolves Extend NBA Cup Streak Past Pelicans in New Orleans
Ayo Dosunmu's 26 points and a late surge secured a 115-109 win that keeps Minnesota undefeated in tournament play.
By Michael Bennett ·
Ayo Dosunmu scored 26 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 115-109 on Friday night in New Orleans.
The win improved the Timberwolves' overall record to 7-3 and kept them unbeaten in NBA Cup competition, where they now stand 2-0. New Orleans, which fell to 4-5 on the season, dropped to 0-1 in the tournament and saw a four-game winning streak snapped.
The first quarter swung back and forth. Minnesota hit five three-pointers, including two from Dosunmu, to build an early 13-5 lead. The Pelicans answered with a 17-4 run fueled by three three-pointers from Karlo Matkovic. Jeremiah Fears put New Orleans ahead 24-22 on a basket before halftime.
New Orleans took an 89-87 lead with 7:55 remaining on a three-pointer from Dejounte Murray. LaMelo Ball responded with five consecutive points to start a 10-2 run that gave Minnesota a 97-91 advantage. The Timberwolves held that lead for the rest of the game.
Ball finished with 22 points and eight assists, while Jaden McDaniels added 23 points. For New Orleans, Fears led the team with 24 points and Saddiq Bey contributed 17. Zion Williamson scored a season-low 13 points, a sharp drop from his 21.5 points per game average entering the night.
The Timberwolves host the Utah Jazz on Sunday night. The Pelicans travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers on the same evening.
