The New Orleans Pelicans ended their franchise record losing streak after a 107-99 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
New Orleans went into Minnesota on a 13-game losing streak, but the streak ended behind a big scoring night from Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram.
How It Happened
Minnesota jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the opening minutes of the game, despite missing their forward Karl-Anthony Towns. New Orleans leaped ahead behind a 10-2 run in the span of two minutes.
After Andrew Wiggins gave the Timberwolves an 18-17 lead with 4:59 left in the first, the Pelicans used another 12-4 run to go up 30-21.
The Pelicans entered the second quarter with a seven-point lead and they only increased it in going into halftime. New Orleans outscored Minnesota 31-25 in the second frame.
New Orleans maintained a steady control of the game, even through the third quarter. The Pelicans stayed up double digits for a majority of the third and a Jrue Holiday 3-pointer with 41.7 seconds left gave them an 87-72 lead.
The Timberwolves outscored New Orleans by seven points in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Ingram’s game-high 34 points. Minnesota cut the deficit to just eight points at the start of the fourth. The Pelicans used yet another run to cruise to their first win in 27 days.
Big Number: 81
The Pelicans made 81 percent of their free throws, as they shot 17-of-21 from the line. New Orleans ranks 27th in the NBA in free throw percentage, making 73.3 percent of their free throws through 29 games.
Player of the Game: Brandon Ingram
Ingram provided the offense for the Pelicans throughout the night. Ingram shot 12-of-22 form the field for his 34 points to lead the Pelicans to the win over Minnesota.
Up Next: On the road vs. the Golden State Warriors; Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m.