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Deadspin | Dustin Wolf, Flames deal defeat to playoff-bound Mammoth   Apr 12, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud (28) and Utah Mammoth left wing Michael Carcone (53) battle for the puck in front of Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports   Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and the host Calgary Flames beat the Utah Mammoth 4-1 on Sunday night.  Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames (33-38-9, 75 points), who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots.  Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth (42-32-6, 90 points), who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves.  Clayton Keller (assist) extended his point streak to eight games (four goals, 13 assists).  The Mammoth went 0-for-3 on the power play; the Flames were 0-for-4.   Coronato gave the Flames a 1-0 lead at 7:06 of the first period when he took the puck away from Vanecek behind the net, circled out front and buried it for his 100th career point.  Zary made it 2-0 at 8:27 of the second period. Vanecek made a save against Zary in front and the loose puck went in off Zary’s skate.  Backlund increased the lead to 3-0 at 6:01 of the third period. Blake Coleman came in a partial breakaway and, after shooting, slid into the Vanecek and the net. Backlund knocked in the loose puck and the play was ruled a goal on the ice. Utah challenged for goaltender interference against Coleman, but after a review the goal was upheld.  Pachal made it 4-0 at 9:10 when he scored on a slap shot from the point off a pass from Aydar Suniev.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Dustin #Wolf #Flames #deal #defeat #playoffbound #Mammoth

Deadspin | Dustin Wolf, Flames deal defeat to playoff-bound Mammoth
Deadspin | Dustin Wolf, Flames deal defeat to playoff-bound Mammoth   Apr 12, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud (28) and Utah Mammoth left wing Michael Carcone (53) battle for the puck in front of Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports   Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and the host Calgary Flames beat the Utah Mammoth 4-1 on Sunday night.  Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames (33-38-9, 75 points), who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots.  Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth (42-32-6, 90 points), who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves.  Clayton Keller (assist) extended his point streak to eight games (four goals, 13 assists).  The Mammoth went 0-for-3 on the power play; the Flames were 0-for-4.   Coronato gave the Flames a 1-0 lead at 7:06 of the first period when he took the puck away from Vanecek behind the net, circled out front and buried it for his 100th career point.  Zary made it 2-0 at 8:27 of the second period. Vanecek made a save against Zary in front and the loose puck went in off Zary’s skate.  Backlund increased the lead to 3-0 at 6:01 of the third period. Blake Coleman came in a partial breakaway and, after shooting, slid into the Vanecek and the net. Backlund knocked in the loose puck and the play was ruled a goal on the ice. Utah challenged for goaltender interference against Coleman, but after a review the goal was upheld.  Pachal made it 4-0 at 9:10 when he scored on a slap shot from the point off a pass from Aydar Suniev.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Dustin #Wolf #Flames #deal #defeat #playoffbound #MammothApr 12, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud (28) and Utah Mammoth left wing Michael Carcone (53) battle for the puck in front of Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and the host Calgary Flames beat the Utah Mammoth 4-1 on Sunday night.

Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames (33-38-9, 75 points), who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots.

Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth (42-32-6, 90 points), who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves.

Clayton Keller (assist) extended his point streak to eight games (four goals, 13 assists).


The Mammoth went 0-for-3 on the power play; the Flames were 0-for-4.

Coronato gave the Flames a 1-0 lead at 7:06 of the first period when he took the puck away from Vanecek behind the net, circled out front and buried it for his 100th career point.

Zary made it 2-0 at 8:27 of the second period. Vanecek made a save against Zary in front and the loose puck went in off Zary’s skate.

Backlund increased the lead to 3-0 at 6:01 of the third period. Blake Coleman came in a partial breakaway and, after shooting, slid into the Vanecek and the net. Backlund knocked in the loose puck and the play was ruled a goal on the ice. Utah challenged for goaltender interference against Coleman, but after a review the goal was upheld.

Pachal made it 4-0 at 9:10 when he scored on a slap shot from the point off a pass from Aydar Suniev.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dustin #Wolf #Flames #deal #defeat #playoffbound #Mammoth

Apr 12, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud (28) and Utah Mammoth left wing Michael Carcone (53) battle for the puck in front of Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Brayden Pachal scored his first goal of the season and added two assists, and the host Calgary Flames beat the Utah Mammoth 4-1 on Sunday night.

Matt Coronato, Connor Zary and Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames (33-38-9, 75 points), who had lost three straight and are eliminated from playoff contention. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves. In two wins versus Utah this season, Wolf stopped 56 of 57 shots.

Lawson Crouse scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Mammoth (42-32-6, 90 points), who have clinched a playoff berth and lead the Los Angeles Kings by three points for the first wild card in the Western Conference. The Kings have played one fewer game, but Utah holds the regulation wins tiebreaker (32-21). Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves.

Clayton Keller (assist) extended his point streak to eight games (four goals, 13 assists).

The Mammoth went 0-for-3 on the power play; the Flames were 0-for-4.

Coronato gave the Flames a 1-0 lead at 7:06 of the first period when he took the puck away from Vanecek behind the net, circled out front and buried it for his 100th career point.

Zary made it 2-0 at 8:27 of the second period. Vanecek made a save against Zary in front and the loose puck went in off Zary’s skate.

Backlund increased the lead to 3-0 at 6:01 of the third period. Blake Coleman came in a partial breakaway and, after shooting, slid into the Vanecek and the net. Backlund knocked in the loose puck and the play was ruled a goal on the ice. Utah challenged for goaltender interference against Coleman, but after a review the goal was upheld.

Pachal made it 4-0 at 9:10 when he scored on a slap shot from the point off a pass from Aydar Suniev.

–Field Level Media

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IPL 2026: Prolonged interruptions, slow over-rate in MI vs RCB pose threats to the very purpose of T20s <div id="content-body-70856306" itemprop="articleBody"><p>If the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s innings — which stretched more than half an hour beyond the prescribed 90 minutes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) — was an example of cricket’s quickest format moving at a snail’s pace, the worst was yet to follow at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.</p><p>After a 16-minute innings break, the Mumbai Indians’ (MI) chase lasted 124 minutes.</p><p>The match eventually wrapped up nine minutes shy of midnight, taking the total duration to four hours and 21 minutes. It was long enough to set social media abuzz, with fans debating whether the marquee clash had outlasted several Indian films — not just Lagaan but even Dhurandhar.</p><p>To be fair, Mumbai experienced perhaps its hottest day of the summer so far, with players battling dehydration and requiring frequent medical attention. The match also featured 11 reviews and at least five injury-related stoppages, each contributing to the sluggish pace.</p><p>Yet, such prolonged interruptions defeat the very purpose of T20 cricket and test the concentration of players at the crease.</p><p>Sherfane Rutherford, whose lone fightback helped MI reduce the margin of defeat, admitted that maintaining focus amid repeated stoppages proved challenging.</p><p>Rutherford waited patiently as Rasikh Salam went down thrice in the 18th over before eventually heading back to the pavilion after the fifth ball — an over that epitomised the stop-start nature of the contest.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2026-mi-vs-rcb-game-result-match-report-royal-challengers-bengaluru-mumbai-indians/article70855091.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Batters fire Royal Challengers Bengaluru past Mumbai Indians in high-scoring contest</a></b></p><p>“Yes, that was the toughest part for me. Every time Rasikh bowls, he takes five minutes,” Rutherford said.</p><p>“As a batter, you need momentum. Every time you have momentum, when there is a stop and start, it just keeps slowing up the game. It’s something that no one can control. You just have to learn from it. Hopefully, next time, you just try and stay in the game or try some way of being ahead of the game.”</p><p>With temperatures expected to rise further and an extreme heatwave forecast for the Maximum City later this week, prolonged T20 contests could become a recurring theme when MI hosts Punjab Kings on Thursday.</p><p>Another contributing factor is the IPL’s revised slow over-rate regulations. Until 2024, captains faced match bans — along with heavy fines — after three offences.</p><p>Since the 2025 season, however, the IPL governing council has introduced a demerit points system, with suspensions a distant possibility over a 36-month period. The shift appears to have reduced the urgency among captains to maintain over-rates, further slowing down the game.</p><p>It is perhaps time to remind everyone involved in the IPL that T20 cricket is supposed to be fast-paced in terms of speed of the game, not just the run-rate. Is anybody listening?</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Prolonged #interruptions #slow #overrate #RCB #pose #threats #purpose #T20s

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Ayush Shetty needed more patience in Badminton Asia Championships final; can be in top five: Sagar Chopda <div id="content-body-70856216" itemprop="articleBody"><p>India’s impressive run in men’s singles at the Badminton Asia Championships fell short in the final, but Sagar Chopda, head coach at the Centre for Badminton Excellence, believes silver-medallist Ayush Shetty has the potential to reach the very top of the sport.</p><p>The Indian shuttler went down in straight games against World No. 2 Chinese Shi Yu Qi in Ningbo on Sunday.</p><p>“I believe Ayush has the potential to be a top-five player in the world. We’ve always believed he can become a true champion,” Chopda told <i>PTI </i>after the 20-year-old won silver at the continental meet.</p><p>“We just need to be patient, but he definitely has the potential to reach that level,” he added.</p><p>Shetty’s campaign ended against home favourite Shi, with Chopda pointing to a key area that could have made a difference.</p><p>“He probably needed to be a little more patient. At times, he went for outright winners a bit too early, and many of those shots either went out or ended up in Shi’s hitting zone.</p><p>“Shi didn’t give him many opportunities, and at this level you have to make the most of whatever chances you get,” he said.</p><p>Despite the loss, the unseeded Shetty’s run, which included victories over Li Shi Feng, Jonatan Christie and Kunlavut Vitidsarn, marked a significant breakthrough after a string of early exits earlier in the season.</p><p>Chopda revealed that a back injury had disrupted Shetty’s preparation at the start of the year, forcing him into rehabilitation instead of building fitness. The turnaround, he said, came down to belief.</p><p>“At the start of the season, Ayush had a slight back injury, so he had to focus on rehab for about four to five weeks. That affected his preparation.</p><p>“The biggest plus this week was belief. He felt fitter, stronger and didn’t check himself. He showed great patience in long rallies, which is crucial at this level,” he said.</p><p>The coach, who trains Shetty in Bengaluru, also credited work behind the scenes, including sessions with a sports psychologist, for the player’s improved mental strength during the tournament.</p><p>While the results underline his rapid rise, Chopda was quick to point out areas that still need refinement.</p><p>“Endurance is still a work in progress. Ayush needs to get much fitter, although he is improving. He has been doing a lot of off-court sessions with the trainers and physios.</p><p>“Being a tall player, his movement has improved, especially side-to-side and in defence, but there is still room for improvement,” Chopda said.</p><p>Shetty has also begun working with Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, a move Chopda believes will benefit him in the long run.</p><p>“He has been the national coach of the Indonesian side when players like Jonatan Christie and Anthony Sinisuka Ginting were at their peak, so having someone like him on board is going to be helpful for Ayush,” Chopda noted.</p><p>Given his height and playing style, comparisons with two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen have already begun, something Chopda acknowledged.</p><p>“Because he’s so tall, he’s always been compared to Viktor Axelsen. In fact, he’s gone and trained with him a couple of times,” Chopda said.</p><p>“Viktor has mentioned that he sees similarities and that Ayush reminds him of his younger days.” However, Chopda was quick to add that there is still ground to cover.</p><p>“He has a strong net game and a big hit, but he needs to develop more variation, half-smashes, softer drops to become even more dangerous at this level.” Looking ahead with the World Championships and Asian Games in sight, consistency remains the key focus.</p><p>“Consistency is key. He has a lot of expectations from himself, and that probably added pressure in previous tournaments,” he said.</p><p>“He needs to consistently reach the later stages of tournaments and aim for podium finishes. Winning a big title and doing well at events like the World Championships and Asian Games should be his targets.”</p><p>“He has a big smash and a strong net game, but he needs to add more control, half-smashes, softer drops and better variation to consistently win at this level.</p><p>Chopda also pointed out that while Shetty had shown promise earlier, including during a title run at the U.S. Open, sustaining that level will be the real challenge.</p><p>“This tournament will give him a lot of confidence, but he needs to keep delivering so that people continue to notice him,” he added.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #Ayush #Shetty #needed #patience #Badminton #Asia #Championships #final #top #Sagar #Chopda

Mumbai Indians needs a major rethink after suffering a third consecutive defeat in ​the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, said captain ‌Hardik Pandya.

Mumbai lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ​by 18 runs at the Wankhede ⁠Stadium, leaving the five-time champion eighth in the 10-team table with just two points from four matches.

Despite ‌boasting several Twenty20 World Cup-winning players—including Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah ‌and Tilak Varma—Mumbai has struggled to ‌generate ⁠any momentum.

ALSO READ | Bumrah’s wicket-less run an unpleasant confrontation for MI

“A lot of things need ⁠a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball,” Pandya ​said at the ‌post-match presentation.

“We need to still bat and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine).”

Mumbai’s struggles have been ‌most evident in the PowerPlay.

The lack ​of early wickets and limited support for Bumrah has raised concerns about the ⁠bowling attack, with opponents able to see off the India pacer before targeting the rest.

“Last couple ‌of games, as a bowling and batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect on what best we can do… and how to get some momentum in the PowerPlay,” Pandya said.

Suryakumar, batting at number ‌three, is not firing on all cylinders while Varma’s ​failures have put more pressure on the batting unit.

Pandya could look at moving ⁠Naman Dhir up the batting order to inject intent ⁠early, while England all-rounder Will Jacks may offer better balance in place of ‌Mitchell Santner.

Mumbai next faces Punjab Kings on Thursday, while third-placed RCB meets Lucknow Super ​Giants on Wednesday. 

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#IPL #lot #rethink #Hardik #Pandya #suffers #consecutive #defeat">IPL 2026: ‘A lot of things need a rethink,’ says Hardik Pandya after MI suffers third consecutive defeat  Mumbai Indians needs a major rethink after suffering a third consecutive defeat in ​the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, said captain ‌Hardik Pandya.Mumbai lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ​by 18 runs at the Wankhede ⁠Stadium, leaving the five-time champion eighth in the 10-team table with just two points from four matches.Despite ‌boasting several Twenty20 World Cup-winning players—including Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah ‌and Tilak Varma—Mumbai has struggled to ‌generate ⁠any momentum.ALSO READ |        Bumrah’s wicket-less run an unpleasant confrontation for MI“A lot of things need ⁠a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball,” Pandya ​said at the ‌post-match presentation.“We need to still bat and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine).”Mumbai’s struggles have been ‌most evident in the PowerPlay.The lack ​of early wickets and limited support for Bumrah has raised concerns about the ⁠bowling attack, with opponents able to see off the India pacer before targeting the rest.“Last couple ‌of games, as a bowling and batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect on what best we can do… and how to get some momentum in the PowerPlay,” Pandya said.Suryakumar, batting at number ‌three, is not firing on all cylinders while Varma’s ​failures have put more pressure on the batting unit.Pandya could look at moving ⁠Naman Dhir up the batting order to inject intent ⁠early, while England all-rounder Will Jacks may offer better balance in place of ‌Mitchell Santner.Mumbai next faces Punjab Kings on Thursday, while third-placed RCB meets Lucknow Super ​Giants on Wednesday. Published on Apr 13, 2026  #IPL #lot #rethink #Hardik #Pandya #suffers #consecutive #defeat

Bumrah’s wicket-less run an unpleasant confrontation for MI

“A lot of things need ⁠a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball,” Pandya ​said at the ‌post-match presentation.

“We need to still bat and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine).”

Mumbai’s struggles have been ‌most evident in the PowerPlay.

The lack ​of early wickets and limited support for Bumrah has raised concerns about the ⁠bowling attack, with opponents able to see off the India pacer before targeting the rest.

“Last couple ‌of games, as a bowling and batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect on what best we can do… and how to get some momentum in the PowerPlay,” Pandya said.

Suryakumar, batting at number ‌three, is not firing on all cylinders while Varma’s ​failures have put more pressure on the batting unit.

Pandya could look at moving ⁠Naman Dhir up the batting order to inject intent ⁠early, while England all-rounder Will Jacks may offer better balance in place of ‌Mitchell Santner.

Mumbai next faces Punjab Kings on Thursday, while third-placed RCB meets Lucknow Super ​Giants on Wednesday. 

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#IPL #lot #rethink #Hardik #Pandya #suffers #consecutive #defeat">IPL 2026: ‘A lot of things need a rethink,’ says Hardik Pandya after MI suffers third consecutive defeat

Mumbai Indians needs a major rethink after suffering a third consecutive defeat in ​the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, said captain ‌Hardik Pandya.

Mumbai lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ​by 18 runs at the Wankhede ⁠Stadium, leaving the five-time champion eighth in the 10-team table with just two points from four matches.

Despite ‌boasting several Twenty20 World Cup-winning players—including Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah ‌and Tilak Varma—Mumbai has struggled to ‌generate ⁠any momentum.

ALSO READ | Bumrah’s wicket-less run an unpleasant confrontation for MI

“A lot of things need ⁠a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball,” Pandya ​said at the ‌post-match presentation.

“We need to still bat and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine).”

Mumbai’s struggles have been ‌most evident in the PowerPlay.

The lack ​of early wickets and limited support for Bumrah has raised concerns about the ⁠bowling attack, with opponents able to see off the India pacer before targeting the rest.

“Last couple ‌of games, as a bowling and batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect on what best we can do… and how to get some momentum in the PowerPlay,” Pandya said.

Suryakumar, batting at number ‌three, is not firing on all cylinders while Varma’s ​failures have put more pressure on the batting unit.

Pandya could look at moving ⁠Naman Dhir up the batting order to inject intent ⁠early, while England all-rounder Will Jacks may offer better balance in place of ‌Mitchell Santner.

Mumbai next faces Punjab Kings on Thursday, while third-placed RCB meets Lucknow Super ​Giants on Wednesday. 

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#IPL #lot #rethink #Hardik #Pandya #suffers #consecutive #defeat
Deadspin | Timberwolves’ reserves take spotlight in final game, beating Pelicans  Apr 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joan Beringer (19) dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images   Rookie big man Joan Beringer scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves held on for a 132-126 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night in Minneapolis.  Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 26 points for Minnesota (49-33), which relied on young players and reserves in its final game of the regular season. Zyon Pullin scored 19 points off the bench, and Joe Ingles capitalized on a rare start to notch a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists.  Jeremiah Fears scored 36 points on 12-for-29 shooting to lead New Orleans (26-56). Derik Queen finished with 30 points and 22 rebounds, and Micah Peavy scored 21 points.  The Timberwolves already were locked into the No. 6 playoff seed in the Western Conference. They learned they will face the Denver Nuggets, who secured the No. 3 seed by beating the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night.  The Timberwolves led by double digits late in the game and held on for the win.  Beringer made a pair of free throws to put Minnesota on top 124-114 with 1:21 to go. Fears followed by converting a three-point play and trimming the Pelicans’ deficit to seven points with 1:15 left.    Queen made a layup on New Orleans’ next possession to pull the team within 125-119 with 55.2 seconds left. But the Timberwolves held firm thanks to Shannon’s free-throw shooting; he made 7 of 8 in the final minute.  Minnesota led 73-59 at the half. Julian Phillips made an alley-oop dunk off a feed from Jaylen Clark in the closing moments of the first half.  Both teams played without key starters in the regular-season finale.  The Timberwolves sat out top scorer Anthony Edwards, who dealt with right knee inflammation in the final few weeks of the regular season. They also played without 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 rested Herbert Jones and Saddiq Bey. They also did not have veteran big man Zion Williamson, who missed the regular-season finale because of right knee injury management.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Timberwolves #reserves #spotlight #final #game #beating #PelicansApr 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joan Beringer (19) dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Rookie big man Joan Beringer scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves held on for a 132-126 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night in Minneapolis.

Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 26 points for Minnesota (49-33), which relied on young players and reserves in its final game of the regular season. Zyon Pullin scored 19 points off the bench, and Joe Ingles capitalized on a rare start to notch a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists.

Jeremiah Fears scored 36 points on 12-for-29 shooting to lead New Orleans (26-56). Derik Queen finished with 30 points and 22 rebounds, and Micah Peavy scored 21 points.

The Timberwolves already were locked into the No. 6 playoff seed in the Western Conference. They learned they will face the Denver Nuggets, who secured the No. 3 seed by beating the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night.

The Timberwolves led by double digits late in the game and held on for the win.


Beringer made a pair of free throws to put Minnesota on top 124-114 with 1:21 to go. Fears followed by converting a three-point play and trimming the Pelicans’ deficit to seven points with 1:15 left.

Queen made a layup on New Orleans’ next possession to pull the team within 125-119 with 55.2 seconds left. But the Timberwolves held firm thanks to Shannon’s free-throw shooting; he made 7 of 8 in the final minute.

Minnesota led 73-59 at the half. Julian Phillips made an alley-oop dunk off a feed from Jaylen Clark in the closing moments of the first half.

Both teams played without key starters in the regular-season finale.

The Timberwolves sat out top scorer Anthony Edwards, who dealt with right knee inflammation in the final few weeks of the regular season. They also played without 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 rested Herbert Jones and Saddiq Bey. They also did not have veteran big man Zion Williamson, who missed the regular-season finale because of right knee injury management.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Timberwolves #reserves #spotlight #final #game #beating #Pelicans">Deadspin | Timberwolves’ reserves take spotlight in final game, beating Pelicans  Apr 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joan Beringer (19) dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images   Rookie big man Joan Beringer scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves held on for a 132-126 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night in Minneapolis.  Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 26 points for Minnesota (49-33), which relied on young players and reserves in its final game of the regular season. Zyon Pullin scored 19 points off the bench, and Joe Ingles capitalized on a rare start to notch a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists.  Jeremiah Fears scored 36 points on 12-for-29 shooting to lead New Orleans (26-56). Derik Queen finished with 30 points and 22 rebounds, and Micah Peavy scored 21 points.  The Timberwolves already were locked into the No. 6 playoff seed in the Western Conference. They learned they will face the Denver Nuggets, who secured the No. 3 seed by beating the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night.  The Timberwolves led by double digits late in the game and held on for the win.  Beringer made a pair of free throws to put Minnesota on top 124-114 with 1:21 to go. Fears followed by converting a three-point play and trimming the Pelicans’ deficit to seven points with 1:15 left.    Queen made a layup on New Orleans’ next possession to pull the team within 125-119 with 55.2 seconds left. But the Timberwolves held firm thanks to Shannon’s free-throw shooting; he made 7 of 8 in the final minute.  Minnesota led 73-59 at the half. Julian Phillips made an alley-oop dunk off a feed from Jaylen Clark in the closing moments of the first half.  Both teams played without key starters in the regular-season finale.  The Timberwolves sat out top scorer Anthony Edwards, who dealt with right knee inflammation in the final few weeks of the regular season. They also played without 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 rested Herbert Jones and Saddiq Bey. They also did not have veteran big man Zion Williamson, who missed the regular-season finale because of right knee injury management.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Timberwolves #reserves #spotlight #final #game #beating #Pelicans

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