2026 NBA Summer League
2026 NBA Summer League: Timberwolves pull away late, defeat Pelicans
Zyon Pullin notches a near triple-double (24 pts, 8 reb, 12 ast) as the Timberwolves win their Summer League opener.
JP Aravena, Rotowire
Updated on July 9, 2026 11:30 PM
Minnesota wins over New Orleans, 105-92 in the opening game of the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League.
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Timberwolves 105, Pelicans 92: Box Score | Game Detail
LAS VEGAS ā Zyon Pullin was the star for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as he sniffed a triple-double with 24 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. Nate Santos added 20 points off the bench while shooting 5-for-8 from 3-point range and the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 105-92, in each teamās opener at the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League. Joan Beringer added an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double across 25 minutes. Five Minnesota players scored in double digits, as the Timberwolves shot 45.3% from the floor and 40.0% from deep.
The Timberwolves and Pelicans engaged in a tight battle that went back and forth through the first three quarters, with 12 lead changes overall, but Minnesota used a late charge to secure a win. The Pelicans grabbed a 25-24 lead after the first quarter, but Minnesota responded with a 22-21 edge in the second frame, leaving the teams tied at 46 at halftime. Things didnāt change much in the third quarter, though the Timberwolves looked more comfortable and headed into the final frame leading by one point, 72-71. Minnesota upped the tempo in the fourth quarter and opened with a 7-0 run that would put the game away for good, as the Pelicans didnāt have enough left in the tank. Minnesota outscored New Orleans by 12 points in the final 10 minutes (33-21).
Kobe Bufkin scored a game-high 30 points for the Pelicans while grabbing six rebounds. Markquis Nowell made his presence felt with a 20-point, four-rebound, six-assist performance, and Micah Peavy notched 16 points, five assists and two steals. The Pelicans shot 41.0% from the floor and 42.4% from beyond the arc.
The Pelicans will return to action Saturday against the Hornets at Thomas & Mack Center (4 ET, ESPN). Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will take on the Nuggets on the same day but at the Pavilion (7:30 ET, Prime Video).
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