Timberwolves Beat Pelicans 115-109 Behind Dosunmu’s 26

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 115-109 on Friday, November 6, 2026, with Ayo Dosunmu leading all scorers with 26 points. Minnesota delivered a 38-point fourth quarter to overcome a two-point deficit entering the final period and earn an NBA Cup group-play victory at Smoothie King Center.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Pelicans Establish a Narrow Lead

New Orleans outscored Minnesota 30-27 in the opening quarter, establishing a three-point advantage at home. It was the first of two quarters the Pelicans would win, but Minnesota remained close enough to move ahead before halftime.

Second Quarter: Minnesota Moves in Front

The Timberwolves produced a 30-21 second quarter, turning their three-point deficit into a 57-51 halftime lead. That nine-point advantage across the period gave Minnesota its first winning quarter and a six-point cushion at the break.

Third Quarter: New Orleans Regains the Advantage

The Pelicans responded by outscoring the Timberwolves 28-20 in the third. New Orleans erased Minnesota’s halftime lead and entered the fourth ahead 79-77, setting up a final period with little separation between the teams.

Fourth Quarter: Timberwolves Finish with 38 Points

Minnesota saved its highest-scoring quarter for last, outpacing New Orleans 38-30. The eight-point difference in the final period turned a two-point deficit into a six-point victory. The Timberwolves scored nearly one-third of their total points in the fourth and completed the win in regulation.

Key Performers

• Ayo Dosunmu, Timberwolves: Led all scorers with 26 points, providing Minnesota’s top individual scoring contribution.
• Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves: Added 23 points and six rebounds, giving Minnesota another substantial scoring performance.
• Trey Lyles, Timberwolves: Collected a game-high 13 rebounds as Minnesota finished with a 49-41 advantage on the boards.
• LaMelo Ball, Timberwolves: Led Minnesota with eight assists.
• Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans: Paced New Orleans with 24 points and a team-high five assists.
• Zion Williamson, Pelicans: Led New Orleans with eight rebounds.

NerdSports Stat: Both teams scored exactly 88 points from the field. Minnesota’s entire six-point winning margin came from its advantage in made free throws: 27 to New Orleans’ 21.

Game Analysis: Volume Offsets Minnesota’s Shooting Disadvantage

New Orleans posted the better shooting percentages across all three categories, but Minnesota found enough scoring through additional 3-point makes and free throws. The Pelicans shot 45.3% from the field, 41.7% from beyond the arc and 80.8% at the line. The Timberwolves finished at 43.2%, 30.8% and 73.0%, respectively.

The difference was opportunity and volume. Minnesota attempted 39 3-pointers to New Orleans’ 24, making 12 compared with the Pelicans’ 10. Although the Timberwolves made one fewer field goal overall, 38 to 39, those additional threes brought the teams level in points scored from the field.

At the foul line, Minnesota attempted 37 free throws and made 27. New Orleans went 21-for-26. The Timberwolves’ 11 additional attempts allowed them to finish six points ahead in that category despite their lower conversion rate.

Minnesota also collected eight more rebounds, while New Orleans held a 25-23 edge in assists. Ultimately, the Timberwolves’ fourth-quarter production was decisive: their 38 points were the highest total either team recorded in any period.

Closing Context: Minnesota Improves to 7-3

The Timberwolves improved to 7-3 overall and 4-2 on the road, adding an NBA Cup group-play victory to their regular-season record. The Pelicans fell to 4-5 overall and 3-3 at home. Minnesota next hosts the Utah Jazz on Sunday, November 8, at 4:00 p.m. PST, while New Orleans hosts the LA Clippers that evening at 6:00 p.m. PST.

Frequently Asked Questions