Nikola Pekovic had 22 points and seven rebounds and the Timberwolves led by as many as 30 points in cruising to a 124-112 victory against the Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Pekovic got to the free throw line for 11 of Minnesota's 35 attempts and Kevin Love had a quiet night by his lofty standards with 21 points and six rebounds. Minnesota shot 55.7 percent and forced a season-high 18 turnovers from the Pelicans.
Ryan Anderson had 25 points and Tyreke Evans added 16 points and seven boards for New Orleans. Eric Gordon returned from a three-game absence because of a bruised hip, but struggled with 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting.