MINNEAPOLIS — The New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves started the night at Target Center in the same exact position — tied for 12th in the Western Conference and with No. 1 picks from Kentucky determined to help them make a push for the playoffs.
They left going in opposite directions, with Anthony Davis and the Pelicans brimming with confidence and Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves searching for answers.
Davis had 42 points and 13 rebounds to win a duel with Towns and lift the Pelicans to a 122-106 victory over the Timberwolves on Friday.
Davis hit 16 of 22 shots, including two 3-pointers, and Jrue Holiday had 25 points and 12 assists to get the Pelicans off to a good start on their final road trip before hosting the All-Star game next weekend.