Joan Beringer's 24 Points and the Bench Mob Carried Minnesota Past New Orleans as Wolves Locked in No. 6 Seed
The Minnesota Timberwolves wrapped up their regular season with a statement: the depth is real. Rookie big man Joan Beringer dropped 24 points and 13 rebounds, and the reserves stepped up in a major way as Minnesota held off the New Orleans Pelicans 132-126 on Sunday night at home. The Wolves were already locked into the No. 6 playoff seed in the Western Conference, so this was their chance to get young guys reps and prove the bench can carry weight when it matters.
Bench Depth Showed Up When It Counted
Terrence Shannon Jr. led the way with 26 points for Minnesota (49-33), but it was the role players who made the difference down the stretch. Zyon Pullin came off the bench and scored 19 points, while Joe Ingles got a rare start and delivered a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. Beringer's pair of free throws put Minnesota up 124-114 with just 1:21 left on the clock, and even as New Orleans clawed back, the Wolves didn't blink.
🎲 Want to Make Tonight's Game More Interesting?
Kalshi lets you trade on real sports outcomes — not just spreads. It's the only federally regulated prediction market in the US, and it's available right here in Washington state.
New users get a FREE $10 just for signing up — no deposit required to claim it.
👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiShannon sealed it with his free throw shooting in the final minute, making 7 of 8 from the line when the game was tight. Beringer made a pair down the stretch too. New Orleans got 36 points from Jeremiah Fears on 12-for-29 shooting, while Derik Queen added 30 points and 22 rebounds and Micah Peavy scored 21, but it wasn't enough. Minnesota led 73-59 at halftime and held the line when it mattered most.
Both Teams Rested Key Guys Before the Playoffs
The Timberwolves sat out several starters for rest and maintenance: top scorer Anthony Edwards (right knee inflammation), Jaden McDaniels (left knee injury maintenance), Rudy Gobert (rest), Julius Randle (right hand injury maintenance), Naz Reid (right shoulder injury maintenance), and Ayo Dosunmu (right calf injury maintenance). New Orleans did the same, resting Herbert Jones, Saddiq Bey, and veteran big man Zion Williamson (right knee injury management).
Now the Wolves know their first-round opponent: the Denver Nuggets, who locked in the No. 3 seed by beating San Antonio on Sunday. That's a tough draw, but if the bench mob plays like it did Sunday night, Minnesota has a real shot.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about .
View X conversation →This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.