Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats and Analysis Game 4 (January 3, 2024)
Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans Match player The Minnesota Timberwolves faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans in a thrilling Game 4 on January 3, 2024, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. This regular-season matchup was highly anticipated, with both teams showcasing their star players and vying for a crucial win. The Pelicans emerged victorious with a final score of 117-106, demonstrating their offensive prowess and defensive resilience.
Game Overview
The game started with high energy from both sides. The Pelicans took an early lead, ending the first quarter with a score of 27-24. They extended their lead in the second quarter, scoring 32 points to the Timberwolves’ 22. The third quarter saw the Pelicans maintaining their momentum with 33 points, while the Timberwolves managed 25. Despite a strong fourth-quarter effort from the Timberwolves, scoring 35 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pelicans’ lead.
Team Performance Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats and Box Score 2024:
Timberwolves Match Player Stats
| starters | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| J. McDanielsPF | 33 | 5-10 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -19 | 11 | |
| R. GobertC | 24 | 2-3 | 0-0 | 1-2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -16 | 5 | |
| K. TownsC | 36 | 8-19 | 0-4 | 6-7 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -18 | 22 | |
| M. ConleyPG | 26 | 3-5 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -14 | 7 | |
| A. EdwardsSG | 37 | 11-22 | 4-7 | 9-10 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | -15 | 35 | |
| bench | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| J. MinottF | 3 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | |
| K. AndersonSF | 13 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 1-2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| T. Brown Jr.SF | 3 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 3 | |
| N. ReidC | 25 | 3-8 | 2-5 | 0-0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | |
| J. McLaughlinPG | 17 | 1-6 | 0-4 | 1-2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | |
| S. MiltonSG | 3 | 2-2 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 5 | |
| N. Alexander-WalkerSG | 19 | 1-3 | 0-2 | 2-2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -5 | 4 | |
| D. NixSG | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| team | 37-82 | 10-31 | 22-27 | 8 | 20 | 28 | 26 | 7 | 6 | 11 | 13 | 106 | |||
| 45.10% | 32.30% | 81.50% | |||||||||||||
New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats
| starters | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| Z. WilliamsonPF | 29 | 11-15 | 0-0 | 5-6 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 20 | 27 | |
| B. IngramSF | 32 | 7-11 | 1-3 | 4-5 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 19 | |
| H. JonesSF | 37 | 6-11 | 4-5 | 0-0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 16 | |
| J. ValanciunasC | 20 | 2-5 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 14 | 4 | |
| C. McCollumSG | 30 | 8-16 | 4-6 | 4-4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 24 | |
| bench | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| L. Nance Jr.PF | 22 | 4-6 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 8 | |
| N. MarshallSF | 14 | 1-4 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -10 | 2 | |
| C. ZellerC | 2 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 0 | |
| J. AlvaradoPG | 27 | 3-8 | 2-6 | 0-0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 8 | |
| J. HawkinsG | 3 | 1-2 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 2 | |
| D. DanielsG | 24 | 2-3 | 1-1 | 2-2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 7 | |
| J. Robinson-EarlF | DNP-NON-COVID ILLNESS | ||||||||||||||
| K. Lewis Jr.PG | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| team | 45-81 | 12-26 | 15-17 | 9 | 32 | 41 | 30 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 24 | 117 | |||
| 55.60% | 46.20% | 88.20% | |||||||||||||
Key Player Performances
Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Anthony Edwards: Edwards was the standout player for the Timberwolves, scoring an impressive 35 points. His aggressive play and ability to drive to the basket kept the Timberwolves in contention throughout the game.
- Mike Conley: Conley contributed 9 points and provided crucial assists, helping to orchestrate the Timberwolves’ offense.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Towns had a quieter game with 6 points, but his presence in the paint was felt with several key rebounds and defensive plays.
New Orleans Pelicans:
- Zion Williamson: Williamson led the Pelicans with 27 points, showcasing his athleticism and scoring ability. His dominance in the paint was a significant factor in the Pelicans’ victory.
- Brandon Ingram: Ingram added 7 points and played a vital role in the Pelicans’ defensive strategy, often guarding the Timberwolves’ top scorers.
- Larry Nance Jr.: Nance Jr. contributed 9 points and was instrumental in the Pelicans’ rebounding efforts, securing several crucial boards.
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Game Analysis
The Pelicans’ victory can be attributed to their superior shooting efficiency and rebounding. They outperformed the Timberwolves in field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and three-point percentage. The Pelicans’ ability to convert their shots at a higher rate, particularly from beyond the arc, gave them a significant edge.
Rebounding was another critical area where the Pelicans excelled. They grabbed 41 rebounds compared to the Timberwolves’ 28, providing them with more second-chance opportunities and limiting the Timberwolves’ offensive possessions. Larry Nance Jr.‘s efforts on the boards were particularly noteworthy, as he secured several key rebounds that helped maintain the Pelicans’ lead.
Defensively, both teams had their moments, but the Pelicans’ ability to force turnovers and capitalize on them was a deciding factor. The Timberwolves committed 11 turnovers, which the Pelicans converted into points, further extending their lead.
Strategic Insights
The Timberwolves struggled to find consistency in their shooting, particularly from three-point range. Their 32% three-point shooting percentage was a stark contrast to the Pelicans’ 46%. This disparity in shooting efficiency was a significant factor in the game’s outcome. The Timberwolves will need to improve their perimeter shooting and find ways to create more open looks for their shooters in future games.
On the defensive end, the Timberwolves had difficulty containing Zion Williamson. His ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact posed a constant challenge. The Timberwolves might consider employing more double-teams or zone defenses to limit Williamson’s impact in future matchups.
For the Pelicans, maintaining their shooting efficiency and rebounding dominance will be key to their continued success. Their balanced scoring attack, with contributions from multiple players, makes them a formidable opponent. Ensuring that they continue to share the ball and find the open man will be crucial as they progress through the season.
Key Moments
- First Quarter: The Pelicans set the tone early with a 10-2 run, showcasing their offensive firepower. Zion Williamson’s two dunks energized the team and the crowd.
- Second Quarter: The Timberwolves struggled to find their rhythm, and the Pelicans capitalized with a 12-point lead at halftime. CJ McCollum’s back-to-back three-pointers were crucial in extending the lead.
- Third Quarter: The Timberwolves attempted a comeback, with Anthony Edwards scoring 12 points in the quarter. However, the Pelicans’ balanced scoring kept them ahead.
- Fourth Quarter: Despite a late surge by the Timberwolves, including a 9-0 run led by D’Angelo Russell, the Pelicans maintained their composure. Key free throws by Jonas Valančiūnas and CJ McCollum sealed the victory.
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Conclusion
The January 3, 2024, matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New Orleans Pelicans was a showcase of high-level basketball. The Pelicans’ victory highlighted their offensive efficiency, rebounding prowess, and defensive tenacity. As both teams look ahead to the rest of the season, they will undoubtedly build on the lessons learned from this game. The Timberwolves will aim to improve their shooting consistency and defensive strategies, while the Pelicans will focus on maintaining their balanced attack and strong rebounding efforts.
