The Minnesota Timberwolves earned a much-needed win on Saturday night as they were able to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 120-110.
The win came at a random time for the Timberwolves as Karl-Anthony Towns (NBA health and safety protocols) and D’Angelo Russell (load management) were both unavailable for the game, but several players stepped up to help come away with the victory.
One of those players was Jared Vanderbilt as he continued his ascent in the starting lineup. Vanderbilt scored a career-high 16 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for his first career double-double.
Vando with the 🧃 pic.twitter.com/esfIfDah5W
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 24, 2021
Vanderbilt was joined by frontcourt partner Naz Reid, who also had a tremendous night with 20 points and four rebounds. While the Wolves got off to a solid start, they had trouble containing Eric Bledsoe, who scored 19 of his 28 points in the first half to give the Pelicans a 64-63 lead at halftime.
Minnesota took over in the third quarter as the Pelicans went cold from the floor. With New Orleans shooting 15 percent in the frame, the Wolves made their move, outscoring the Pelicans 24-14 and setting themselves up for victory in the fourth quarter.
While the Wolves have had their struggles closing out games, the Minnesota bench made sure that wouldn’t happen as Anthony Edwards (18 points), Jarrett Culver (16 points) and Jordan McLaughlin (11 points) all scored in double figures. Malik Beasley poured in 16 points as the Timberwolves won for just the second time in the last 14 games.
ANT FROM BLOOMINGTON pic.twitter.com/rvNCnnKaE2
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 24, 2021
With a 4-11 record, the Timberwolves will head west to begin a seven-game road trip beginning with a matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
