The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 111-102, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.

The Timberwolves (25-25) encountered a red-hot Pelicans (26-23) attack early, leading to a 34-26 deficit for Minnesota at the end of one. Defense then took center stage in the second quarter, when only 38 total points were scored and the visitors made a two-point dent in their deficit. However, the third quarter changed the dynamic of the game for good, as the T-Wolves' 39-21 edge during the period sent them into the final 12 minutes with a 12-point advantage that offered enough cushion for a hard-fought victory.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 37 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. D'Angelo Russell supplied 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Rudy Gobert generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Anderson and Jaden McDaniels posted matching 10-point tallies, with Anderson also recording seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

C.J. McCollum paced the Pelicans with 25 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas produced a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one block. Brandon Ingram made his return from a 29-game absence to record 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Devonte' Graham registered 12 points.

The Timberwolves return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.