Pelicans fall to Timberwolves in NBA Summer League opener in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (WVUE) - The New Orleans Pelicans opened NBA Summer League play Wednesday, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-92 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas. It was the first of five scheduled Summer League games for New Orleans.

Bufkin paces Pelicans

Point guard Kobe Bufkin was the standout performer for New Orleans, scoring 21 points in the first 24 minutes and finishing with 30 to lead the Pelicans. Bufkin connected from three-point range early, including a four-point play on his second three-pointer. He also drove hard to the rim in the second half as New Orleans attempted a fourth-quarter comeback after falling behind by 10.

Peavy, Pierce contribute

Micah Peavy, the player with the most NBA game experience on the Pelicans’ Summer League roster, recorded a reverse finish and assisted on a basket by Hunter Dickinson, keeping the game within three points at one stage. Draft pick Jaren Pierre Jr. scored his first basket as a Pelican on a drive to the rim.

Timberwolves pull away

Minnesota pulled away in the fourth quarter behind balanced scoring, with four players finishing in double figures. Nate Santos scored 20 points for the Timberwolves in the opener.

Murray on new head coach Mosley

Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray attended the game and spoke about playing for new head coach Jamahl Mosley.

“I mean, it’s always been mutual respect between me and him, especially when I was in Atlanta — we played Orlando a lot, so we’re familiar with each other,” Murray said. “I think he’s a great guy. I’m excited to just be around and see him lead by example, because I always feel like your head coach got to be the one that’s leading by example and then everything falls into place. So I’m just excited to be around.”

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