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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from loss to Pelicans

By Dylan Jackson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 01: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket as Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans guards him during the second quarter at Target Center on May 1, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harrison Barden/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 01: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket as Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans guards him during the second quarter at Target Center on May 1, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harrison Barden/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime on Saturday night, ending the four-game long winning streak in a game that was within their grasps until overtime.

86. Final/OT. 140. 69. 136

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a 97.5-percent chance to beat the Pelicans with four minutes remaining in the game, according to ESPN – until the Pelicans scored on six straight possessions in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter – sending the game to overtime.

Here are some takeaways from the game:

1.     Minnesota Timberwolves: Team basketball is fun to watch.

The Minnesota Timberwolves tallied 31 assists, their 4th straight game with 29 or more assists. Usually, the most assist-happy teams in the league average slightly less than 30 per game. The fact that Minnesota has been able to distribute the ball amongst themselves is much more promising over this recent stretch of play.

2.     Minnesota Timberwolves: The team don’t care about pick odds.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, quite frankly, do not care what the odds look like heading into lottery night. Despite losing to the Pelicans on Saturday, Minnesota has played themselves out of the top-3 pick odds, just a week after holding the worst record in the league.

In a season which most bottom-feeders are tanking for the chance at Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley, the Timberwolves are showing a type of promise that could help them make a playoff push next season.

3.     Minnesota Timberwolves: Things are going to get exciting when D’Angelo Russell returns to the starting lineup.

Since returning from injury, D’Angelo Russell has been coming off of the bench, easing back into the flow of a long, grinding NBA season. In 14 games back, Russell is averaging 19 points, two rebounds, and six assists on shooting splits of 46/41/83.

While Russell shot himself out of the fourth quarter with poor shot selection, his facilitation today was a large part of the reason the Timberwolves held a large lead in the fourth quarter to begin with.

Next. The Timberwolves are having the best-worst win streak. dark

The Timberwolves next game is against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. They have seven games remaining this season.

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