The New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves met in the 2026 NBA Summer League on July 9, 2026, with Minnesota winning 105 to 92. The matchup showcased young players competing for roster opportunities, with Kobe Bufkin leading New Orleans and several Minnesota players making important contributions.
For fans looking for the most recent overall matchup, it is important to distinguish Summer League statistics from regular season numbers. In their last regular season meeting on April 12, 2026, Minnesota defeated New Orleans 132 to 126.
That game featured a 36 point performance from Jeremiah Fears and a 24 point, 13 rebound effort from Minnesota center Joan Beringer.
Quick Answer
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 105 to 92 in their July 9, 2026, Summer League matchup. Kobe Bufkin scored 30 points for New Orleans, while Zyon Pullin contributed 24 points and 12 assists for Minnesota. In the teams’ last regular season meeting on April 12, Minnesota won 132 to 126.
Why People Compare New Orleans Pelicans vs Timberwolves Stats
The Pelicans and Timberwolves compete in the NBA Western Conference, and their matchups offer opportunities to compare scoring, rebounding, passing, defensive pressure, and shooting efficiency.
Their 2026 meetings also featured different types of competition. The July Summer League game focused on developing players and evaluating potential roster contributors. The April regular season game featured a higher scoring contest, with Minnesota winning by six points.
When comparing these games, remember that Summer League box scores should not be treated as direct evidence of how established NBA players will perform during the regular season.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Stats
Kobe Bufkin
Kobe Bufkin led New Orleans with 30 points in the July 9 Summer League game.
His performance included:
- 30 points
- 6 rebounds
- 2 assists
- 5 made three pointers
- 8 of 16 field goals
Bufkin was the Pelicans’ leading scorer and provided much of their offensive production.
Markquis Nowell
Markquis Nowell delivered a productive performance with 20 points and 6 assists.
His recorded statistics included:
- 20 points
- 4 rebounds
- 6 assists
- 5 steals
- 5 made three pointers
His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive activity made him one of New Orleans’ notable contributors.
Micah Peavy
Micah Peavy scored 16 points and added 5 assists.
He shot 6 of 11 from the field and made 2 three pointers, providing additional offensive support alongside Bufkin and Nowell.
Hunter Dickinson
Hunter Dickinson contributed 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
He also made 2 three pointers, giving New Orleans another scoring option from outside the paint.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Stats
Zyon Pullin
Zyon Pullin was one of Minnesota’s most productive players against New Orleans.
His July 9 statistics were:
- 24 points
- 9 rebounds
- 12 assists
- 6 made field goals
- 6 made free throws
Pullin’s 12 assists were especially important because they reflected his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
Joan Beringer
Joan Beringer finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
He shot 7 of 15 from the field and was a significant presence around the basket. His rebounding and shot blocking helped Minnesota control important possessions.
N’Guessan Santos
N’Guessan Santos scored 20 points and made 5 of 8 three point attempts.
His efficient outside shooting helped Minnesota maintain its scoring advantage.
Drake Williams
Drake Williams added 12 points on 5 of 10 shooting.
He also contributed a made three pointer and helped Minnesota spread the scoring load across the lineup.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Timberwolves Comparison Table
| Statistic | Pelicans | Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 92 | 105 |
| First half | 46 | 51 |
| Total points | 92 | 105 |
| Field goals | 32 of 78 | 34 of 75 |
| Field goal percentage | 41.0% | 45.3% |
| Three pointers | 14 of 33 | 8 of 20 |
| Three point percentage | 42.4% | 40.0% |
| Free throws | 9 of 14 | 18 of 24 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 46 |
| Assists | 21 | 17 |
| Steals | 12 | 6 |
| Blocks | 5 | 8 |
Minnesota’s advantage came from its stronger overall field goal percentage, rebounding, and free throw production. New Orleans made more three pointers and recorded more assists and steals, but those advantages were not enough to overcome Minnesota’s scoring edge.
When to Use Each Team’s Stats
Pelicans stats are useful for evaluating
- Kobe Bufkin’s scoring and shooting
- Markquis Nowell’s passing and defensive activity
- Three point accuracy
- Ball movement
- Steals and transition opportunities
- Young player development
Timberwolves stats are useful for evaluating
- Zyon Pullin’s playmaking
- Joan Beringer’s interior production
- Rebounding strength
- Free throw opportunities
- Defensive blocks
- Team shooting efficiency
Because this was a Summer League contest, the numbers primarily help explain that particular game rather than predict regular season performance.
10 Key New Orleans Pelicans vs Timberwolves Stats
- Minnesota won the July 9 Summer League game 105 to 92.
- Kobe Bufkin scored 30 points for New Orleans.
- Zyon Pullin scored 24 points for Minnesota.
- Pullin recorded 12 assists.
- Joan Beringer scored 18 points.
- Beringer also collected 11 rebounds and recorded 4 blocks.
- N’Guessan Santos scored 20 points.
- Markquis Nowell recorded 20 points and 6 assists for New Orleans.
- Minnesota collected 46 rebounds compared with New Orleans’ 38.
- New Orleans made 14 three pointers, compared with Minnesota’s 8.
Common Mistakes When Reading the Stats
Mistake 1: Confusing Summer League with the regular season
Summer League features developing players and different rotations. These performances should be considered separately from regular season results.
Mistake 2: Looking only at points
Bufkin’s 30 points were impressive, but Pullin’s 12 assists and Beringer’s rebounding and blocks also played important roles in Minnesota’s victory.
Mistake 3: Ignoring shooting efficiency
New Orleans made more three pointers, but Minnesota shot a higher percentage overall and converted more free throws. Those differences helped Minnesota win.
Mistake 4: Assuming the latest regular season result was the latest meeting
The teams also met in Summer League after their April regular season game. Always check the game date and competition before comparing player performances.
Memory Trick
Remember the July matchup this way:
Bufkin scored, Pullin created, Minnesota won.
Bufkin led the Pelicans in scoring, Pullin led Minnesota’s playmaking, and the Timberwolves secured a 13 point victory.
American vs British English
Basketball terminology is largely consistent in American and British English.
Terms such as points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage, three pointer, free throw, steal, and block are widely understood in both varieties. NBA reporting generally follows American basketball terminology.
Similar New Orleans Pelicans vs Timberwolves Stats
For a more complete comparison between the two teams, examine:
- Points per game
- Field goal percentage
- Three point percentage
- Free throw percentage
- Total rebounds
- Offensive rebounds
- Assists
- Steals
- Blocks
- Turnovers
- Points in the paint
- Bench scoring
These statistics help explain how a team wins, beyond the final score.
Final Verdict
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 105 to 92 in the July 9, 2026, Summer League matchup. Kobe Bufkin led New Orleans with 30 points, while Minnesota benefited from Zyon Pullin’s 24 points and 12 assists, along with Joan Beringer’s 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
The comparison shows why scoring alone does not determine a basketball game. New Orleans made more three pointers and recorded more steals, but Minnesota shot more efficiently overall, collected more rebounds, and made more free throws. Fans comparing the teams should keep the Summer League result separate from regular season statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Pelicans vs Timberwolves on July 9, 2026?
The Minnesota Timberwolves won 105 to 92 in the NBA Summer League.
Who scored the most points for the Pelicans?
Kobe Bufkin led New Orleans with 30 points.
Who led Minnesota in assists?
Zyon Pullin recorded 12 assists.
How many points did Joan Beringer score?
Beringer scored 18 points and added 11 rebounds and 4 blocks.
How many three pointers did the Pelicans make?
New Orleans made 14 of 33 three point attempts, shooting 42.4%.
How many rebounds did Minnesota record?
Minnesota recorded 46 rebounds, compared with New Orleans’ 38.
What was the latest regular season result between the teams?
Minnesota defeated New Orleans 132 to 126 on April 12, 2026. Jeremiah Fears scored 36 points for New Orleans, while Joan Beringer recorded 24 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota.
Was the July game part of the NBA regular season?
No. The July 9 matchup was an NBA Summer League game, which is separate from the regular season.
Remember This
Minnesota beat New Orleans 105 to 92 in the July 9 Summer League game. Kobe Bufkin led the Pelicans with 30 points, while Zyon Pullin contributed 24 points and 12 assists for the Timberwolves. Minnesota’s rebounding and overall shooting efficiency helped secure the victory.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves matchup on July 9, 2026, highlighted several promising individual performances. Bufkin led New Orleans in scoring, while Nowell added points, assists, and steals. Minnesota received balanced contributions from Pullin, Beringer, Santos, and Williams to secure a 105 to 92 win.
The teams’ April 12 regular season matchup was a different type of contest, with Minnesota winning 132 to 126. Looking at the date and competition alongside the box score helps fans understand the context behind each result and avoid mixing Summer League statistics with regular season performance.
Nancy Lisa is a passionate writer and contributor at DrameyHut, focused on uncovering the deeper meanings behind dreams. She creates engaging and insightful content that helps readers interpret their dreams and understand their subconscious thoughts. Her work inspires self-reflection, clarity, and a stronger connection to inner emotions.
