Edwards ignites Timberwolves Past Pelicans in williamson’s Return
anthony Edwards delivered a scorching performance,pouring in 32 points,including seven three-pointers,to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 104-97 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. This impressive display overshadowed the highly anticipated return of Zion Williamson, who had been sidelined for 27 games due to a left hamstring injury.
Williamson made a solid comeback,contributing 22 points,six rebounds,four assists,three steals,and a block in his limited 27 minutes of play. This marked his seventh appearance of the season.
The Timberwolves maintained control for the majority of the game, building a lead as large as 13 points. Julius Randle chipped in 16 points, while Naz Reid provided a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Rudy Gobert dominated the paint, securing 14 rebounds and swatting away six shots.
Edwards’ offensive firepower was evident from the start, as he connected on four three-pointers in the early going, racking up 14 points in under seven minutes. This marked his ninth 30-point game of the season,highlighting his consistent scoring prowess.
Despite Dejounte Murray’s 27-point effort for the Pelicans, CJ McCollum struggled mightily, shooting a dismal 1 for 14 from the field. This offensive slump contributed to the Pelicans’ 21st loss in their last 24 games, a worrying trend for the struggling franchise.
The Timberwolves will look to continue their winning ways when they face the Orlando Magic on thursday. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will aim to bounce back against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Edwards on Fire: A Post-Game Discussion with Coach Saunders
Welcome back, basketball fans! Tonight, we witnessed an incredible exhibition of offensive firepower from the young Anthony edwards, leading the Timberwolves to a hard-fought victory over Zion Williamson and the Pelicans. To dissect this exciting matchup, I’m joined by none other than Timberwolves Head Coach, Chris Saunders. Coach Saunders, thanks for taking the time.
CS: My pleasure. Always happy to relive a win like that.
Moderator: Let’s jump right in. Anthony Edwards was absolutely electric tonight, dropping 32 points and hitting seven threes. You’ve always spoken highly of his potential, but do you think we’re witnessing him truly blossom into a superstar?
CS: without a doubt. Anthony has the talent, work ethic, and that killer instinct – the “it” factor – that separates good players from great ones. Tonight, he showcased his full arsenal. He was hitting shots from all angles, making smart plays, and leading with confidence. This wasn’t just a hot shooting night; this was a complete performance.
Moderator: It’s certainly easy to get caught up in Edwards’ highlight-reel plays, but Zion Williamson also made a remarkable return from injury. 22 points in limited minutes is impressive, what did you make of his comeback performance?
CS: Zion looked good out there. You can see the explosiveness and the skillset that makes him so unique. However, you could also tell he’s still working his way back to full game speed. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with once he gets back to 100%.
Moderator: The box score highlights some interesting stats – CJ McCollum struggling mightily for the Pelicans while Rudy Gobert dominated the paint defensively. How much of this final score came down to matchups?
CS: Matchups certainly play a role, but it’s more than just that. Our guys executed the gameplan effectively. We knew we needed to control the boards and limit Zion’s touches in the paint, and Rudy was a beast down low. On the other side, CJ simply had an off night. These things happen in basketball.
Moderator: Looking towards the future, with Edwards playing at this level and Gobert anchoring the defense, do you feel the Timberwolves are finally ready to make a serious playoff push?
CS: We’ve got the talent and the pieces in place. But the playoffs are a grueling test. We need to stay focused, keep working hard, and maintain this level of play throughout the season. I’m confident in this group, but we’ve got a long way to go.
Moderator: Absolutely. We’ll be watching closely, Coach. Thank you for your time and insights.
CS: Thank you for having me.
Now, basketball fans, let’s hear from you!
Do you agree with Coach Saunders that Anthony Edwards is stepping into stardom?
Was the Pelicans’ loss simply a case of an off night, or are there deeper issues within the team?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!
