Timberwolves win a high-scoring game with Pelicans, 132-126

The game, quarter by quarter

The Timberwolves had the better start, winning the first 34-24 to lead by 10 after one. The Timberwolves kept the pressure on with a 39-35 second quarter, carrying a 14-point lead into halftime.

The Pelicans won the third 31-24 to stay in front, taking a 7-point lead into the fourth. The Pelicans took the fourth 36-35; the Timberwolves held on for a 132-126 regulation win.

What decided it

The Timberwolves got more from their shots, finishing at 56.2% effective field-goal shooting compared with 44.4% for the Pelicans. The Timberwolves made 36 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 29 for the Pelicans. That shooting gap supplied the clearest edge.

The Pelicans did win one battle, second chances: ORB% of 36.4% against 27.3%. The Timberwolves made up for it elsewhere.

At roughly 110 possessions per team, the Timberwolves produced 120.2 points per 100 possessions to 114.7 for the Pelicans.

The Timberwolves' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 40-10.

Who made the difference

Joan Beringer was the game's biggest individual force for MIN: 24 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast, 7 blk on 9-12 shooting. His Game Score of 29.4 led everyone. His team was -1 with him on the floor.

Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with 36 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast on 12-28 shooting, good for a 27.6 Game Score.

Joe Ingles (15 pts, 6 reb, 10 ast), Joan Beringer (24 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast), and Derik Queen (30 pts, 22 reb, 4 ast) each recorded a double-double.

What it means

The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Timberwolves about a 81% chance.

Across the last 6 meetings in our records, Minnesota Timberwolves lead 4-2.

The Timberwolves are now 49-33, and the Pelicans are 26-56. The Timberwolves last five before this game: L-L-W-L-W.