Pelicans Fall to Timberwolves 104-97 in Zion’s Return

Posted on by David Grubb

The return of Zion Williamson energized the New Orleans Pelicans and electrified the Smoothie King Center, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the hot shooting of Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In Williamson’s first game back after missing 27 games with a left hamstring strain, he showcased his all-around game with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block while playing only 28 minutes. The Pelicans were +8 with him on the court, however, the offense struggled to find any consistency without him, leaving New Orleans with their 21st loss in 24 games.

Ant-Man Is No Picnic

From the opening tip, Anthony Edwards set the tone for Minnesota. The Timberwolves’ All-Star guard sank four three-pointers in the first seven minutes, scoring 14 of his 32 points during the opening quarter. Edwards’ transition to one of the most prolific long-range bombers in the league (7-of-11 from deep) was ultimately the difference in the game. He also filled the stat sheet with nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals. It was his second consecutive 30-point outing against the Pelicans

The game was there for the taking for the Pelicans until the third quarter when Edwards sparked a 19-2 Timberwolves run. Trailing 64-57 midway through the period, Minnesota turned the tables, taking a 75-66 lead in less than four minutes, topped off by a pair of Edwards triples. The Pelicans didn’t get within a single possession the rest of the way.

Zion and Murray: A Glimpse of Potential

While the Pelicans struggled overall, Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray provided a glimpse of what was expected of them before the season began. In their first regular-season appearance together, their chemistry was evident. Twice, Murray steals led to Williamson fast-break dunks, including one of Zion’s signature 360 windmill slams that brought the crowd to its feet.

Murray had one of his best games since joining the Pelicans, finishing the night with 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting, six steals, six assists, and two rebounds. His defensive pressure kept New Orleans in the game, and he played relaxed and confident basketball on the offensive end. Murray shot above 50% for the first time in 10 games and for just the fourth time this season.

“Zion’s ability to impact the game after such a long layoff is incredible,” head coach Willie Green said. “And Dejounte gave us everything he had on both ends. They just needed a bit more help tonight.”

Help Wanted

The Pelicans couldn’t capitalize on Williamson and Murray’s performances due to the struggles of their supporting cast. CJ McCollum, fresh off a 50-point outing, shot 1-of-14 from the field and ended the night with just three points. Jose Alvarado and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl provided bright spots off the bench, combining for 18 points, but the rest of the lineup struggled to deal with the deterrent power of Rudy Gobert. The absence of Trey Murphy was felt.

The Timberwolves outshot the Pelicans from every area of the court, including an important advantage from three-point range (15-of-44 for Minnesota vs. 12-of-41 for New Orleans). New Orleans also left plenty of points at the free-throw line, converting just 15-of-24 attempts.

Looking Ahead

With the loss, the Pelicans dropped to a league-worst 7-30 overall and just 5-15 at home. Despite flashes of brilliance from Williamson and Murray, New Orleans continues to search for answers to their offensive struggles.

The Pelicans wait to find out if Zion will be available as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers in the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night looking for their first win in the second game of a back-to-back (0-8).

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