Crystal Pouncey
Dec 12, 2023 - 05:15

Zion Williamson season high 36 points power Pelicans past Opponent

Zion Williamson scores 36 points as New Orleans Pelicans beat NBA-leading Minnesota Timberwolves 121-107. The Pelicans bounce back after a tough loss.

Zion Williamson scored a season-high 36 points and CJ McCollum added nine of his 23 points in the fourth quarter on three timely 3-pointers, leading the New Orleans Pelicans to a 121-107 victory over the NBA-leading Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.

The game was a character test for the Pelicans, who were coming off a 133-89 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas. Williamson, who had been criticized by national NBA analysts after his performance against the Lakers, responded with a strong showing against the T-Wolves.

Throughout the game, Williamson repeatedly scored on forceful drives to the basket, often finishing high off the glass to beat the long reach of Minnesota center Rudy Gobert. His highlights included a double-pump floater off the glass from the left of the lane as he was fouled by Jaden McDaniels. It was his third game this season with more than 30 points.

The Wolves played without leading scorer Anthony Edwards, who left Friday night's win at Memphis with a right hip pointer. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 17 points and 12 rebounds, but he fouled out with 2:35 left and his team trailing by 14. Mike Conley and Naz Reid each scored 17 points for Minnesota, which had won nine of its previous 10 games.

Brandon Ingram scored 20 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 14 points and 13 rebounds for New Orleans. It was the Pelicans' first win in three games against Minnesota this season.

The game was marked by a strong first-half performance by Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum, with Ingram hitting a 31-foot bank shot at the halftime horn to give New Orleans a 59-52 lead. Minnesota's Jordan McLaughlin hit a half-court shot at the third-quarter horn, but it wasn't enough to change the game's momentum.

The Pelicans will visit Washington on Wednesday night, while the Timberwolves will visit Dallas on Thursday night. For more NBA news and updates, visit AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA.