The New Orleans Pelicans let one slip away on Tuesday night - and not just any game, but one they had in the palm of their hand with under a minute to go.
Up 129-125 with 49.8 seconds left in regulation, New Orleans had an 89.2% win probability, according to ESPN analytics. But probability doesn’t win basketball games - execution does. And in crunch time, the Timberwolves executed while the Pelicans unraveled, eventually falling 149-142 in overtime.
Let’s start with the finish. After building that late four-point cushion, the Pelicans saw Jose Alvarado get stripped, Jeremiah Fears miss a contested layup, and Anthony Edwards do what stars do - tie the game with a strong drive to the rim with just 2.3 seconds left. Derik Queen had a chance to play hero at the buzzer, but his layup rolled off, and from there, Minnesota took control in overtime, outscoring New Orleans 20-13 in the extra frame.
This one stings, not just because of how it ended, but because of what it represents. The loss drops the Pelicans to 3-19 on the season and a tough 2-10 at home. For a team trying to build confidence and chemistry, especially with a young core, these are the kinds of games you need to close out.
Still, there were bright spots. Trey Murphy III put together a strong offensive performance, leading the Pelicans with 33 points.
Saddiq Bey added 22, while rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears each chipped in 21. Those contributions are encouraging, especially with the team missing key pieces.
New Orleans was without rookie big man Yves Missi, who was ruled out shortly before tipoff due to pain in his right foot and ankle. And more significantly, they were missing Zion Williamson - again.
The team announced earlier in the day that Williamson has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 adductor strain in his right hip, an injury that will sideline him indefinitely. It’s another frustrating setback for a franchise that’s seen far too many of them when it comes to its star forward.
On the other side, Anthony Edwards reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s brightest young stars. He poured in 44 points over 47 minutes, hitting 16 of 30 shots and going 6-of-13 from deep.
Edwards was relentless, especially late, and New Orleans simply didn’t have an answer for him. Rudy Gobert added a double-double with 26 points and 13 boards, while Naz Reid gave Minnesota a nice lift off the bench with 18.
After the game, interim head coach James Borrego focused on the positives, praising his team’s effort and fight.
“I thought we were the aggressive team, put ourselves in a great position to win a game,” Borrego said. “Really proud of our efforts.”
Borrego also backed Queen after his missed game-winner, saying, “He’s made big shots. He’s ready for these moments. He’ll learn from them and I’m really excited for his progress throughout the season.”
And that’s where this team is right now - looking for progress, banking on development, and trying to stay competitive while navigating injuries and growing pains. There’s no sugarcoating the record, but the flashes from Murphy, Queen, and Fears are real. The question is whether New Orleans can start turning those flashes into wins.
Because as Tuesday night showed, it’s not enough to play well for 47 minutes and 10 seconds. In this league, you’ve got to finish.