In a challenging 2024-25 season, the New Orleans Pelicans found a silver lining even in their recent defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. The notable return of Zion Williamson, who had been sidelined for the last 27 games due to a hamstring injury, offered a glimmer of hope for a team struggling with a record of 7-30. Williamson, playing in his seventh game of the season, showcased his explosive athleticism with several impressive dunks, underscoring his potential impact on the court as the Pelicans attempt to recover from a dismal start.

Despite Williamson's return and a spirited performance from the team, the Pelicans fell short with a final score of 104-97. Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves stood out with a remarkable 32 points, complemented by nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals on 7-of-11 shooting from three-point range. Naz Reid contributed a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Julius Randle added 16 points. Williamson's performance was equally noteworthy, as he scored 22 points, secured six rebounds, distributed four assists, and made three steals on 9-of-15 shooting. Teammate Dejounte Murray led the Pelicans with 29 points, six steals, and six assists, yet it was Williamson’s presence that attracted considerable attention on social media.

As the game unfolded, the Pelicans needed all their firepower to keep pace with Edwards, who had scored 21 points in the first half alone, following a sensational stretch in which he had scored 53 points against the Detroit Pistons and 37 points against the Los Angeles Clippers in previous games. Williamson's dynamic play included a breathtaking 360-degree windmill dunk that electrified the crowd, reinforcing the excitement surrounding his return. However, similar to earlier games this season, the Pelicans struggled to make critical plays down the stretch, allowing the Timberwolves to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves will now seek to capitalize on their momentum in an upcoming matchup with the Orlando Magic.