Pelicans Overcome 18-Point Deficit to Beat Timberwolves 119-115

Saddiq Bey's late free throws seal the comeback win for New Orleans

Feb. 7, 2026 at 1:15am

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The New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point second-half deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115 on Friday night. Saddiq Bey scored 30 points, including two crucial free throws in the final seconds, while Zion Williamson added 29 points for the Pelicans. The Timberwolves led by as many as 18 points in the third quarter, but the Pelicans rallied in the fourth to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This game highlights the Pelicans' resilience and ability to mount comebacks, as well as the Timberwolves' struggles to maintain large leads. The win helps the Pelicans snap a three-game skid and stay in the playoff hunt, while the loss is a tough one for the Timberwolves, who had control of the game for much of the night.

The details

The Timberwolves led 77-59 early in the third quarter, but the Pelicans chipped away at the deficit, with Trey Murphy III and Saddiq Bey leading the charge. The Pelicans tied the game at 102 in the fourth quarter, and then took the lead on a three-point play by Zion Williamson with 35.5 seconds remaining. Anthony Edwards' shot fell short in the final seconds, and Bey sealed the win with two free throws.

  • The Timberwolves led 77-59 early in the third quarter.
  • The Pelicans tied the game at 102 in the fourth quarter.
  • Zion Williamson converted a three-point play to put the Pelicans up 117-115 with 35.5 seconds to play.
  • Saddiq Bey made two free throws with 10.8 seconds remaining to seal the win.

The players

Saddiq Bey

A forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 30 points, including the game-sealing free throws in the final seconds.

Zion Williamson

A star forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 29 points and made the go-ahead three-point play in the final minute.

Anthony Edwards

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 35 points in the losing effort.

Trey Murphy III

A rookie forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who hit key 3-pointers to help fuel the comeback.

Jaden McDaniels

A forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who was in foul trouble throughout the game, forcing the team to use unique lineups.

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What they’re saying

“We must have grit and determination to come back from a big deficit like that. I'm proud of the way our team fought and never gave up.”

— Willie Green, Head Coach, New Orleans Pelicans (New Orleans Times-Picayune)

“We let this one slip away. We had control of the game and couldn't finish it off. That's something we have to learn from.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

What’s next

The Pelicans will host the Sacramento Kings on Monday, while the Timberwolves will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

The takeaway

This game showcased the Pelicans' resilience and ability to mount comebacks, as well as the Timberwolves' struggles to maintain large leads. It's a valuable lesson for both teams as they continue to jockey for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.