Trey Murphy III delivered a standout performance with 27 points and 14 rebounds as the New Orleans Pelicans edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-112 in a thrilling battle on December 2, 2025. The one-point victory showcased the Pelicans’ resilience against a strong Timberwolves squad.
🔥 Quick Facts
Murphy III shot 52.9% from the field and a perfect 100% from free throw range in 28:41 minutes.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 35 points and five three-pointers but came up short in New Orleans.
The Pelicans shot 55.4% from the field, significantly outpacing Minnesota’s 47.4%.
This close contest was decided by a single point, highlighting both teams’ offensive firepower and clutch execution.
Murphy III’s Dominant Two-Way Effort
Trey Murphy III was the catalyst for New Orleans’ stunning victory, dominating both ends of the floor. His 27-point performance came on efficient shooting, including three three-pointers from beyond the arc. What made his game particularly impressive was his work on the boards, where he hauled in 14 rebounds to give the Pelicans crucial second-chance opportunities.
Murphy’s contributions extended to his playmaking, as he dished out 3 assists and maintained perfect free throw accuracy at 6-for-6, showcasing his complete offensive arsenal. Playing 28:41 minutes, the forward’s energy and aggression set the tone throughout the matchup at Smoothie King Center.
Timberwolves Fall Short Despite Edwards’ Firepower
Anthony Edwards nearly carried Minnesota to victory, recording a game-high 35 points while connecting on five three-pointers. The dynamic guard shot 50% from the field and 75% from free throw range across 34:29 minutes of action.
Rudy Gobert provided crucial interior defense and scoring, adding 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves, while Naz Reid contributed 16 points off the bench. Despite these efforts, Minnesota couldn’t overcome the Pelicans’ bench depth and second-half adjustments.
Pelicans’ Supporting Cast Delivers
Player
Points
Key Stat
Jeremiah Fears
20
63.6% FG
Saddiq Bey
11
50% FG
Derik Queen
15
54.5% FG
The Pelicans (Team Total)
113
55.4% FG
Beyond Murphy III, the Pelicans benefited from stellar performances across their roster. Jeremiah Fears impressed with 20 points on efficient 63.6% shooting, while Derik Queen contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds. Jordan Hawkins chipped in 10 points, and the team shot 62.5% from three-point range, demonstrating their offensive versatility.
Crucial Bench Contributions Define Close Contest
The game came down to execution in critical moments, with neither team able to pull away decisively. The Pelicans’ bench outscored Minnesota’s reserves, providing the difference in this one-point thriller. New Orleans also dominated the rebounding battle with 40 total rebounds compared to 39 for the Timberwolves, creating additional scoring opportunities through second chances.
The victory marks an important statement win for the Pelicans, showcasing their ability to compete with top-tier opponents despite roster challenges. Murphy III’s emergence as a reliable two-way force gives New Orleans hope moving forward in their regular season campaign.
What Does This Thrilling Victory Mean for the Pelicans’ Season?
This one-point triumph against the Timberwolves demonstrates that the Pelicans can manufacture wins through balanced scoring and defensive intensity. The home-court advantage at Smoothie King Center clearly mattered, as New Orleans capitalized on Minnesota’s cold shooting night early in the game.
As the season progresses, performances like this benchmark Trey Murphy III’s development into a franchise centerpiece. His ability to score efficiently while dominating the glass suggests the young forward is ready for expanded responsibility. The Pelicans will look to build on this momentum in their next matchup against a struggling Timberwolves squad.
Watch: Full Game Highlights
Sources
NBA.com – Official box score and game statistics
ESPN – Live game coverage and recap information
TSN Canada – Regional broadcast coverage and insights
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.