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New Orleans Pelicans Dominate at Smoothie King Center Against Minnesota Timberwolves

The New Orleans Pelicans, with a record of 16-12, faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who came into the game with a 20-5 record. In a display of offensive efficiency and home-court advantage, the Pelicans outscored the Timberwolves 121-107.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 11: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans  on December 11, 2023 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

The Smoothie King Center was buzzing as the New Orleans Pelicans took to their home court against the formidable Minnesota Timberwolves. The game saw both teams start evenly matched in scoring during the first quarter, but it was in subsequent quarters that the Pelicans began to pull away. By maintaining consistent scoring across all four quarters – posting 29, 30, 31 and again 31 points respectively – they showcased their offensive stability.


The New Orleans team's performance was marked by impressive shooting accuracy from both inside and outside the arc. They made an impactful 48 percent of their field goals and shot an admirable 37 percent from three-point range. Their prowess at two-point shots was particularly notable with a conversion rate of approximately 55 percent.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 11: Herb Jones #5 and CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 11, 2023 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

Contributing significantly to this victory were key players who managed to draw fouls effectively leading to numerous free throw opportunities; here too they excelled by making about 77 percent of those shots. The team also capitalized on turnovers by scoring a total of 21 points off them.


Defensively, The Pelicans were not left wanting either; they blocked seven shots over the course of play while also managing seven steals which disrupted many Timberwolves' plays. This defensive effort contributed to their largest lead being an impressive seventeen points over their opponents.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 11: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 11, 2023 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

On the other side, despite falling short on this occasion, The Minnesota Timberwolves had moments where they shone through as well – particularly from their bench which contributed a substantial fifty-three points towards their total scoreline. They showed resilience in fighting back various times throughout as evidenced by thirteen ties and sixteen lead changes during playtime.


As for individual performances from The Timberwolves' roster: they shot forty-four percent overall from field goal range and managed thirty-six percent accuracy for three-pointers while converting nearly seventy-four percent at free throw line - showcasing decent shooting despite not being enough for victory this time around.


With another win added to their tally thanks largely due to strong teamwork on both ends of court along with high efficiency ratings across board (150 for offense), fans can look forward confidently towards next challenge facing New Orleans Pelicans when they go head-to-head against Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena located in Washington DC on December fourteen o'clock sharp Eastern Time Zone (ET). Fans eager not miss any action can tune into MNMT channel six hundred forty-two or BSNO channel six hundred seventy-six dash four depending upon location ensuring no moment is missed live broadcasted event.

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