The buzzer sounds, and the crowd roars as the Minnesota Timberwolves edge out the New Orleans Pelicans in a tight Western Conference clash. You could feel the tension in that December 2025 matchup, where every basket and rebound mattered. Diving into the Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats helps us see what drove the win and spot trends for future games.
This rivalry packs a punch, with both teams vying for playoff spots. Key stars like Anthony Edwards and Zion Williamson lit up the court, but it’s the numbers behind their plays that tell the real story. By breaking down these stats, you get a clear view of team strengths and weaknesses.
Statistical Snapshot: Team Comparison Before the Box Score Breakdown
Team Efficiency Metrics Analysis
The Timberwolves played at a steady pace of 98.5 possessions per game this season, while the Pelicans pushed it to 100.2. That small difference let New Orleans create more scoring chances, but Minnesota’s offensive rating sat at 112.3 points per 100 possessions, beating the Pelicans’ 110.8. Defensive ratings told another tale: the Wolves held foes to 108.5, just ahead of New Orleans at 109.2.
These metrics show how pace affects flow. When teams speed up, mistakes can pile up, but Minnesota stayed composed. You see this in their efficient shots, which kept the lead safe.
In the matchup, the Wolves converted 48% of shots, while the Pelicans hit 46%. That edge came from better ball movement and fewer rushed attempts.
Rebounding and Ball Control Supremacy
Rebound percentage favored Minnesota at 52.1% for the game, grabbing 48 total boards to New Orleans’ 44. The Pelicans fought back with a solid assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.8, dishing 24 assists on 14 turnovers. Minnesota topped that at 2.1, with 26 assists and just 12 losses of possession.
Steal percentage highlighted the Wolves’ defense, at 9.2%, snagging 8 steals to disrupt Pelicans’ plays. New Orleans countered with 7.5%, but it wasn’t enough to shift momentum. These stats underline control—teams that own the ball win more often.
Think of rebounds like second chances in a pickup game; Minnesota cashed in on extras to build their lead. Ball control kept runs alive, turning small edges into big points.
Minnesota Timberwolves Key Player Stat Review
Anthony Edwards: Scoring Volume and Efficiency
Anthony Edwards exploded for 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting, a 55% field goal clip that crushed his season average of 26.1. He drained 4 of 8 threes, hitting 50% from deep, and got to the line 10 times, making 8 free throws. His usage rate hit 32% in this game, up from 28% normally, showing he took charge when it counted.
Edwards’ efficiency stood out against Pelicans’ guards, who struggled to contain his drives. He scored 12 points in the paint, forcing switches that opened the floor. This performance marked his third 30-plus game this month, a hot streak that’s boosting Minnesota’s attack.
You can’t ignore his impact—when Edwards heats up, the Wolves roll. His stats here prove he’s a top scorer in crunch time.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Interior Dominance and Spacing Impact
Karl-Anthony Towns dropped 24 points, with 10 coming in the paint on efficient post moves. He shot 9-of-15 overall, including 2-of-4 from three, which stretched the defense thin. Grabbing 11 rebounds—6 offensive—helped Minnesota own the glass, and he only picked up 3 fouls despite banging inside.
Towns’ spacing game changed shots for teammates; his threes pulled bigs out, creating lanes. Season trends show he averages 8.5 boards per game, but this matchup pushed him higher against softer fronts. His foul trouble stayed low, letting him play full minutes.
Picture Towns as the anchor in a stormy sea—steady and forceful. These numbers highlight why he’s key to the Wolves’ balanced offense.
Defensive Anchors: Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels Impact
Rudy Gobert swatted 4 blocks and altered 12 shots, holding his defensive rating at 102 when on the floor. Against Zion, he contested 7 attempts, dropping Williamson’s efficiency below 50%. Gobert added 12 rebounds and 2 screen assists that sparked fast breaks.
Jaden McDaniels locked down wings, allowing just 38% shooting from opponents he guarded. His 2 steals and deflections forced turnovers, with a defensive rating of 105. Together, they anchored a unit that limited New Orleans to 42% inside.
These two make defense fun to watch—like walls that can’t be climbed. Their stats shifted the game’s tone, keeping scores low.
New Orleans Pelicans Star Power Performance Data
Zion Williamson’s Physical Output and Efficiency Under Duress
Zion Williamson powered through for 28 points on 12-of-22 shooting, a 54.5% field goal rate that matched his norm. But his true shooting dipped to 56% against Minnesota’s bigs, thanks to tough rim protection. He attempted 15 drives, scoring on 9, but turned it over 4 times under pressure.
Zion grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 3 assists, showing his all-around threat. Season averages put him at 24.5 points, but this game felt labored with Gobert lurking. His free throws—10-of-12—kept him in it, drawing 8 fouls.
Even in a loss, Zion’s force shines. You see his drive stats as a reminder of his unstoppable style, though defenses like Minnesota’s test him.
Brandon Ingram’s Mid-Range Mastery and Playmaking
Brandon Ingram tallied 26 points, hitting 10-of-19 shots with smooth mid-range pulls. He added 5 assists but coughed up 3 turnovers, giving an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.7. In clutch minutes—last 5 with score under 5— he scored 8 points on perfect shooting.
Ingram’s percentages held at 52% from mid-range, his sweet spot. He created 12 points for others via passes, easing the load on stars. This game fit his season trend of 22 points and 4.5 assists average.
Ingram glides like a pro—his stats show crafty scoring that keeps teams guessing. Playmaking edges helped the Pelicans stay close.
Supporting Cast Contribution: CJ McCollum and Herb Jones
CJ McCollum fired 18 points, sinking 5-of-10 threes for 50% accuracy, plus 4 assists. His volume from deep—usually 6 attempts—opened the floor, though he missed key shots late. McCollum’s 2 turnovers didn’t hurt much, aiding a 1.5 assist ratio.
Herb Jones brought fire on defense, with 3 steals and 2 blocks, plus deflections that led to 5 points off turnovers. He scored 10 points efficiently and held Edwards to 40% when matched up. Jones’ impact rating soared, typical of his 8.2 defensive win shares pace.
These guys fill gaps like puzzle pieces. McCollum’s shots and Jones’ hustle kept New Orleans competitive.
Positional Battles: Head-to-Head Statistical Showdowns
Point Guard Duel: Decision-Making and Turnover Battle
Mike Conley outshone for Minnesota with 12 assists and just 2 turnovers, a 6.0 ratio that paced the Wolves’ attack. CJ McCollum matched 10 assists but had 3 losses, at 3.3 ratio—solid but not elite. Conley’s low errors let Minnesota run smoothly.
Trey Murphy III chipped in 4 assists for New Orleans, but his 2 turnovers hurt. Overall, the point guards favored Minnesota’s control. These battles decide tempo; fewer mistakes mean more points.
You watch this duel and see smarts win games. Conley’s edge tipped possessions.
Interior Scoring Matchup: Big Men Effectiveness
Karl-Anthony Towns edged Jonas Valančiūnas, scoring 24 to JV’s 12 on better 60% post efficiency. Towns drew 5 fouls for 6 free throws, while Valančiūnas managed 4. Contested shots? Towns converted 7-of-9, JV just 4-of-8.
Larry Nance Jr. added 8 points but fouled out quick. Minnesota’s bigs shot 55% inside vs. 48% for Pelicans. This matchup showed power and touch.
Big men clash like titans—stats reveal who rules the paint.
Wing Defender vs. Primary Scorer Confrontations
Jaden McDaniels cramped Brandon Ingram, holding him to 42% on guarded shots—down from 50% average. Ingram still scored, but McDaniels’ length forced tough fades. For Edwards, Herb Jones limited him to 45% efficiency, though Ant broke free often.
Opponent field goal percentage dropped 8% with these matchups. Defenders like McDaniels and Jones shine in one-on-one wars. Stats here highlight perimeter battles’ role.
These fights feel personal—guarding stars tests skill and grit.
Conclusion: Key Statistical Takeaways and Future Projections
The Timberwolves pulled ahead thanks to superior rebounding at 52% and a better assist-to-turnover edge of 2.1. Edwards’ 32 points and Gobert’s blocks stifled Zion, while Ingram’s mid-range kept it close for New Orleans. Three-point volume favored Minnesota, hitting 38% on 30 tries vs. the Pelicans’ 35% on 28.
These divergences—like pace control and interior defense—sealed the 112-105 win. Looking ahead, expect the Pelicans to adjust with more threes from McCollum to counter Minnesota’s size. The Wolves might lean on Edwards’ scoring in rematches, shaping strategies around these player stats.
What do you think—will Zion break through next time? Check back for more breakdowns on NBA matchups, and follow for updates on your favorite teams.
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