Zion Williamson delivered a clutch go-ahead basket in the final seconds to propel the New Orleans Pelicans to a thrilling 119-115 comeback win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, overcoming an 18-point second-half deficit.
The Timberwolves stormed out to a commanding lead, fueled by Anthony Edwards’ 35-point performance, including 23 in the first half. By early in the third quarter, Minnesota had built a 77-59 advantage, putting the Pelicans on the ropes. However, New Orleans refused to fold, gradually chipping away at the lead behind balanced scoring and tenacious defense.
Saddiq Bay led the Pelicans with 30 points, while Zion Williamson added 29 and Trey Murphy III contributed 26. Williamson was particularly efficient, making 11 of 13 shots, all in the post, showcasing his dominance in the paint. Rookie Derik Queen also played a key role, scoring 17 points and going a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range, a surprising boost given his season-long struggles from deep.
The comeback gained momentum in the third quarter when Murphy hit consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit to four points. In the fourth quarter, Bay scored five straight points to tie the game at 102, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With 50 seconds left, Bones Hyland hit a three-pointer to give the Timberwolves a brief one-point lead, but Williamson responded immediately.
Williamson converted a crucial three-point play with 35.5 seconds remaining, putting the Pelicans up 117-115. After Anthony Edwards missed a potential go-ahead shot, Bay grabbed the rebound and was fouled, sinking two free throws with 10.8 seconds left to seal the victory. This clutch sequence highlighted Williamson’s ability to perform under pressure and Bay’s composure at the line.
The Timberwolves struggled with foul trouble, as Jaden McDaniels picked up early fouls, limiting his playing time and forcing coach Chris Finch to use unconventional lineups, including extended minutes for Johnny Juzang. Despite Edwards’ stellar performance and Rudy Gobert’s 12 points and 16 rebounds, Minnesota couldn’t hold off the Pelicans’ surge.
For New Orleans, the win snapped a three-game losing streak and provided a much-needed boost as they improve to 14-40 on the season. It demonstrated the team’s resilience and potential, especially with Williamson leading the charge. The Pelicans will look to build on this momentum when they host the Sacramento Kings on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, now 32-21, will aim to bounce back when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The loss underscores their challenges in closing out games but also highlights Edwards’ continued emergence as a star. This game adds another chapter to the competitive Western Conference race as the season progresses.
