Timberwolves Secure Victory Over Pelicans in NBA 2K26 Summer League

In an exciting opener to the NBA 2K26 Summer League, the Minnesota Timberwolves triumphed over the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 98-91 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on July 10, 2025. This match marked the Timberwolves' first win of the league, improving their summer record to 1-0, while the Pelicans started the tournament at 0-1.

The game began with a sluggish pace for the Timberwolves, who quickly found themselves trailing 20-17 at the end of the first quarter. However, they demonstrated resilience in the second quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 31-20 and establishing an eight-point lead by halftime. Throughout the second half, the Timberwolves maintained control, despite the Pelicans winning both the third and fourth quarters by a single point each.

Leonard Miller and Terrence Shannon Jr. emerged as standout players for Minnesota, each scoring 20 points. Miller also contributed significantly with nine rebounds, while Shannon Jr. added nine assists and six rebounds to his tally. Rob Dillingham supported the team with 15 points and six assists, and rookie Joan Beringer made an impact with 11 points and eight rebounds.

On the Pelicans' side, Lester Quinones led the scoring with 20 points off the bench in just 21 minutes of play. His performance, combined with contributions from starters such as Jeremiah Fears, Yves Missi, and Derik Queen, who scored 14, 13, and 13 points respectively, showcased the depth of New Orleans' roster. Missi also grabbed 13 rebounds, while Queen added 10, emphasizing their effectiveness in the paint.

The Timberwolves' head coach praised the team's ability to rebound from the early deficit, stating, "Our players showed great character tonight by adjusting their strategy and taking charge in the second quarter. This is exactly what we need to see from our roster as we prepare for the upcoming season."

The significance of the Summer League cannot be overstated, as it serves as a platform for young talent to showcase their skills and for teams to gauge the potential of their rosters. According to Dr. Emily Carter, a sports management expert at the University of Southern California, "The Summer League is essential for player development, allowing rookies to adapt to the professional level and veterans to refine their game."

As the Timberwolves look forward to the rest of the Summer League, they aim to build on this victory while the Pelicans seek to regroup in their subsequent games. The tournament continues until July 20, promising further action and opportunities for both teams to develop and assess their potential for the upcoming NBA season.