Minnesota Timberwolves crush Pacers in Summer League behind Pullin, Evans

Minnesota Timberwolves dominate Pacers in Summer League opener

The Minnesota Timberwolves kicked off their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign with a commanding 114-98 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. Zyon Pullin and Isaiah Evans led the charge with a combined 45 points, marking a strong start for the Timberwolves after a tough end to their regular season, including a 109-139 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on May 16, 2026.

What happened in the game?

Pullin, the Timberwolves' point guard, dropped a game-high 23 points and dished out six assists in 30 minutes. Evans, a second-round pick from Duke in the 2026 NBA Draft, contributed 22 points on 22 shots. The Timberwolves took control early, closing the first quarter on a 12-2 run after Donovan Williams' free throw at the 2:16 mark gave them a 23-22 lead. They never looked back, extending their advantage to 16 points by the third quarter.

Enrique Freeman added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Trey Kaufman-Renn chipped in 14 points off the bench. Rocco Zikarsky (12 points) and Nate Santos (11 points) also scored in double figures for Minnesota. The Pacers, led by Jalen Slawson's 20 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, couldn't keep pace despite his strong performance. Slawson also had a game-high six turnovers.

Why it matters for the Timberwolves

This win is a positive sign for the Timberwolves, who struggled down the stretch of the regular season, going 1-4 in their last five games (LLLLW). The Summer League provides an opportunity for young talent like Evans to showcase their skills and for veterans like Pullin to refine their game. The Timberwolves will look to build on this momentum as they continue their Summer League schedule.

What comes next for Minnesota?

The Timberwolves will face their next challenge in the 2026 NBA Summer League, aiming to maintain their winning form. With a mix of experienced players and promising rookies, they have the potential to make a deep run. Fans will be watching closely to see how Evans and other newcomers develop under the pressure of competitive play.