Anthony Edwards poured in a season-high 44 points, including 34 in the second half, as the Minnesota Timberwolves edged the New Orleans Pelicans 149-142 in overtime Tuesday night at Smoothie King Center.
Edwards, who struggled from deep in the first half, hitting just one of five 3-point attempts, went 5 of 8 from beyond the arc after halftime and drove past Jose Alvarado for a layup with 2.3 seconds left in regulation to force OT.
Julius Randle added eight points in the extra period, helping Minnesota secure its third straight win and improve to 13-8 on the season. Rudy Gobert contributed 26 points and 13 rebounds, including three dunks in overtime, while Jaden McDaniels chipped in 17 points.
The Pelicans, now 3-19 and losers of 13 of their last 14 games, were led by Trey Murphy III with 33 points. Saddiq Bey had 22, and rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears each scored 21.
New Orleans built a 68-55 lead late in the second quarter following a 15-0 run, with Bey scoring seven and Murphy adding five during the stretch. The Pelicans outscored Minnesota 43-27 in the half while Edwards struggled from deep.
Minnesota rallied in the second half, outscoring New Orleans 42-35 in the third quarter, with Edwards scoring 20 of his points during that span. The Timberwolves overcame a one-point deficit in the final minute of regulation to force overtime.
The Timberwolves shot 50% from the field overall and 39% from three-point range, while the Pelicans hit 55% of their shots and 57% from deep. Minnesota recorded 41 rebounds and 31 assists, compared with New Orleans’ 36 boards and 26 assists.
Other Timberwolves contributors included Randle with 16 points, Donte DiVincenzo scoring 15, and Naz Reid adding 18 off the bench. For New Orleans, the team played without Zion Williamson, who missed his 12th game of 23 this season due to a right adductor strain.
Minnesota and New Orleans face off again on Thursday, with the Pelicans hosting the rematch in New Orleans.
