Wolves Defeat Pelicans in Regular Season Finale

Minnesota clinches No. 6 seed in Western Conference Playoffs

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game, with fragmented, overlapping planes of color and form representing the players' movements and the competitive spirit of the contest.The Timberwolves' regular season finale against the Pelicans sets the stage for an exciting first-round playoff matchup against the Nuggets.Denver Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 132-126 in their final regular season game on Sunday night. Terrance Shannon Jr. led the Wolves with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Joan Beringer added 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Minnesota finished the season with a 49-33 record, earning the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves' win over the Pelicans secures their spot in the Western Conference Playoffs, where they will face the No. 3 seeded Denver Nuggets in the first round. This matchup pits two talented teams against each other, setting the stage for an exciting postseason series.

The details

In the regular season finale, the Timberwolves were led by strong performances from Terrance Shannon Jr., Joan Beringer, and Joe Ingles. Shannon Jr. scored 26 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, while Beringer recorded a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds to go along with 7 blocks. Ingles added 15 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. The Wolves also got significant contributions off the bench from Zyon Pullin (19 points), Julian Phillips (16 points), and Enrique Freeman (13 points).

  • The Timberwolves defeated the Pelicans on Sunday, April 13, 2026 to conclude the regular season.
  • Game 1 of the Timberwolves' first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets will be played on Saturday, April 19, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.

The players

Terrance Shannon Jr.

A starting guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who led the team with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the regular season finale.

Joan Beringer

A starting forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who recorded a double-double with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 blocks in the win over the Pelicans.

Joe Ingles

A veteran guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who contributed 15 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds in the regular season finale.

Zyon Pullin

A reserve guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 19 points off the bench in the win over the Pelicans.

Julian Phillips

A reserve forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 16 points off the bench in the regular season finale.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to be heading to the playoffs and facing a tough opponent in the Nuggets. Our team has worked hard all season and we're ready for the challenge ahead.”

— Terrance Shannon Jr., Starting Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

What’s next

Game 1 of the Timberwolves' first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets will be played on Saturday, April 19, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. The full best-of-seven series schedule has not yet been announced.

The takeaway

The Timberwolves' strong finish to the regular season has them heading to the playoffs with momentum, but they will face a tough challenge against the third-seeded Nuggets in the opening round. Minnesota's balanced scoring attack and defensive presence will be key as they look to advance in the postseason.