Timberwolves Hold Off Pelicans 115-109 as Minnesota Extends Win Streak to Three Games

The Minnesota Timberwolves improved to 6-2 on the young season Thursday night with a 115-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center, marking their third consecutive win and continuing one of the strongest starts in franchise history.

Minnesota led for most of the contest but had to withstand a late push from New Orleans, which cut a double-digit deficit to single digits in the closing minutes. The Timberwolves' defensive intensity and balanced scoring attack proved too much for a Pelicans squad still searching for consistency early in the 2026-27 campaign.

The victory keeps Minnesota among the Western Conference's elite early in the season, following an offseason that saw significant roster changes including the departure of Julius Randle in a three-team trade that gave the franchise financial flexibility while keeping defensive anchor Rudy Gobert and fan favorite Naz Reid.

Gobert's presence in the paint continues to define Minnesota's identity, anchoring a defense that has held opponents under 110 points in five of their eight games this season. His ability to protect the rim and control the glass gives the Timberwolves margin for error when offensive execution falters.

For New Orleans, the loss drops them to 3-5 on the season as the franchise continues to navigate life without Brandon Ingram, who departed in free agency over the summer. The Pelicans showed fight in the second half, cutting into Minnesota's lead with hot shooting from beyond the arc, but costly turnovers in the final five minutes sealed their fate.

Minnesota's three-game winning streak has come against a mix of playoff contenders and rebuilding teams, suggesting this year's squad has the depth and versatility to compete in a brutal Western Conference. After missing the playoffs last season despite high expectations, the Timberwolves are determined to prove they belong among the conference's elite.

The Timberwolves return home to face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, while the Pelicans host the Memphis Grizzlies in a matchup of two teams trying to find their footing early in the season.

Minnesota's strong start has silenced critics who questioned the franchise's direction after last season's disappointing finish. With Gobert controlling the paint, improved perimeter shooting, and contributions from throughout the roster, the Timberwolves are making a statement that they're not rebuilding—they're reloading.