Derrick Williams scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Timberwolves over the Hornets, 97-95 Sunday night at Target Center.
The game marked the return of Nikola Pekovic and Andrei Kirilenko, who had been out with injuries for nearly three weeks, and both came up big at the end of the game.
Trailing 95-94, Pekovic grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled on his putback attempt with 14 seconds left in the game. He made two free throws, giving Minnesota a one point lead.
New Orleans had a chance to take the lead but Kirilenko blocked Eric Gordon’s attempted layup with five seconds to play. He grabbed his block, was fouled and hit a free throw to give the Wolves a two point lead.
The Hornets’ last shot to tie or win the game fell short and the Wolves won a second straight home game. They are now 16-16 at Target Center.
