The Minnesota Timberwolves opened their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign with a convincing 105–92 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on July 10 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. The Timberwolves controlled large stretches of the game, showcasing a balanced attack and impressive defensive rotations that overwhelmed a young Pelicans squad still searching for chemistry on the summer circuit.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, Minnesota established an aggressive tempo, pushing the ball in transition and attacking the rim at will. The Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field and connected on 13 three-pointers, spreading the floor effectively against a Pelicans defense that struggled to close out on shooters. New Orleans, meanwhile, fought back behind strong individual efforts but never managed to close the gap to single digits in the final quarter.

The Timberwolves built a 55–46 halftime lead and stretched it to 16 points by the end of the third quarter. The Pelicans mounted a brief run early in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 10, but Minnesota answered with a 9–2 spurt that effectively ended any comeback hopes.

Key Performers

For Minnesota, rookie guard Jaden Collins led all scorers with 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding 6 assists and 4 rebounds. His ability to create off the dribble and hit pull-up jumpers kept the New Orleans defense off balance. Forward Marcus Wiley contributed a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, providing a strong inside presence on both ends.

New Orleans was paced by second-year wing Brandon Torres, who poured in 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Torres showed flashes of the athleticism and scoring touch that made him a second-round pick, though he was forced into 5 turnovers by Minnesota’s active hands. Center Dante Hall added 14 points and 8 boards in a losing effort.

Tactical Storylines

The Timberwolves’ defensive game plan centered on limiting the Pelicans’ pick-and-roll offense, often switching screens and forcing New Orleans into isolation plays. The strategy worked: the Pelicans shot just 31 percent from three-point range and committed 17 turnovers that led to 22 Minnesota points.

Offensively, Minnesota moved the ball well, recording 27 assists on 42 made baskets. Their spacing and willingness to share the ball was a bright spot for a summer team that had only practiced together for a week. Head coach David Gaines said after the game, “The guys bought into moving the ball and trusting each other. That kind of unselfishness is hard to teach in a short camp.”

Summer League Context and Implications

For the Timberwolves, the win positions them well in the Las Vegas Summer League standings as they aim to develop their young core ahead of the regular season. Collins and Wiley are both candidates for roster spots, and this performance strengthens their case. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in their next game against the Sacramento Kings, with a focus on reducing turnovers and tightening perimeter defense.

Attendance at the Cox Pavilion was announced at 5,200, with scouts from nearly every NBA team in attendance. Both clubs will have multiple games remaining in the summer league schedule, giving prospects additional opportunities to impress front offices.