MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Nikola Pekovic led a strong shooting performance Wednesday in helping carry Minnesota to a 124-112 downing of New Orleans.
The Timberwolves led by 24 points heading into the final quarter and easily put away the Pelicans by shooting 55 percent from the field.
Pekovic made 7-of-12 shots and scored 22 points to go with nine rebounds. Kevin Love had 21 points and six rebounds while Kevin Martin contributed 20 points.
Minnesota was coming off a two-point loss to Dallas, after which the NBA admitted Love had been fouled in his attempt to get off a game-tying shot at the buzzer. No foul was called on the play.
New Orleans also made more than 50 percent of its shots, but the Timberwolves made 12 more free throws than did the Pelicans. Ryan Anderson led New Orleans with 25 points.
