Timberwolves Hold Off Pelicans 132-126 in Minneapolis

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 132-126 on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Target Center, getting 26 points from Terrence Shannon Jr. and a standout all-around showing from Joan Beringer in a high-scoring finish. Minnesota built its edge early and did enough late to come away with the win.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Minnesota set the tone right away, outscoring New Orleans 34-24 in the opening quarter. The Timberwolves were sharper offensively from the start, moving the ball well and creating efficient looks while the Pelicans had to work through a slower opening stretch.

Second Quarter

The pace stayed high in the second, and both teams kept producing points. Minnesota added 39 in the quarter while New Orleans scored 35, sending the Timberwolves into halftime with a 73-59 lead. That 14-point margin gave the home team a cushion after two strong offensive periods.

Third Quarter

New Orleans responded after the break. The Pelicans won the third quarter 31-24, cutting into the deficit behind improved shot volume and steady interior production. Minnesota’s lead was trimmed to 97-90 entering the fourth, setting up a competitive final 12 minutes.

Fourth Quarter

The Pelicans continued to push, scoring 36 points in the fourth, but Minnesota matched enough of that output with 35 of its own. Every Pelicans run was met with a timely answer, and the Timberwolves held their narrow edge through the closing possessions to secure the six-point result.

Key Performers

Minnesota Timberwolves:
Terrence Shannon Jr. led Minnesota with 26 points. Joan Beringer delivered one of the most complete performances of the game with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Joe Ingles added control and playmaking with 10 assists as the Timberwolves finished with 32 team assists.

New Orleans Pelicans:
Jeremiah Fears led all scorers with 36 points and added 5 assists. Derik Queen was highly productive inside, posting 30 points and 22 rebounds in a major double-double. New Orleans won the rebounding battle 53-47 and stayed within reach throughout the second half.

NerdSports Stat: Minnesota scored 132 points despite making just 10 three-pointers and shooting 27.0% from deep, a rare path to that total that leaned heavily on paint touches, free throws, and 32 assists.

Game Analysis

This game turned on Minnesota’s first-half offense and overall efficiency. The Timberwolves shot 50.6% from the field compared with 41.7% for New Orleans, and that gap helped offset the Pelicans’ advantage on the glass. Minnesota also generated offense more cleanly, reflected in its 32 assists to New Orleans’ 20.

The Pelicans created extra chances with 108 field-goal attempts and 53 rebounds, but their perimeter shooting made it harder to complete the comeback. New Orleans went 5-for-21 from three-point range, while Minnesota, despite its own modest 10-for-37 mark from deep, made enough two-point opportunities and free throws to stay ahead.

Beringer’s interior impact stood out on both ends. His 24-point, 13-rebound, 7-block line gave Minnesota scoring, second-chance control, and rim protection in one package. Shannon’s 26 points provided the team-high scoring punch, while Ingles helped organize the offense and keep the Timberwolves steady when the Pelicans made their push.

Closing Context

With the win, Minnesota finished the game 49-33 overall and 26-15 at home, a solid close to the regular-season slate at Target Center. New Orleans dropped to 26-56 and 9-32 on the road. For the Timberwolves, this result adds another home win and keeps momentum in place entering the postseason picture, while the Pelicans showed offensive resilience even in defeat.

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