Pelicans Overcome 18-Point Deficit to Defeat Timberwolves

Saddiq Bey's late free throws help New Orleans rally past Minnesota

Feb. 6, 2026 at 11:15pm

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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. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 35 points in the loss.

Why it matters

This comeback win is an important boost for the Pelicans, who had lost their previous three games. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have let a large lead slip away at home.

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 Bey leading the charge. Murphy hit back-to-back 3-pointers late in the third to cut the lead to four, and Bey scored five straight points to tie the game at 102 in the fourth quarter. Williamson was dominant in the paint, connecting on 11 of his 13 shots. Bey's two free throws in the final seconds sealed the win for New Orleans.

  • The Pelicans trailed by 18 points early in the third quarter.

The players

Saddiq Bey

A forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 30 points, including the game-winning free throws.

Zion Williamson

The star forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 29 points and was dominant in the paint.

Anthony Edwards

The leading scorer for the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing with 35 points in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game showcased the Pelicans' resilience and ability to mount a comeback, while also highlighting the Timberwolves' struggles to hold onto a large lead. It sets the stage for an intriguing rematch between these two teams in the future.