Anthony Edwards finished with 32 points, leading the Wolves past a New Orleans team that got 29 points from Dejounte Murray and 22 points from Zion Williamson.

Zion Williamson symbolically announced his return from a 27-game injury absence with a breakaway dunk in which he rotated 360 degrees in the air while throwing down a crowd-pleasing, double-clutch, roundhouse jam.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Zion Williamson scored 22 points Tuesday (Jan. 7) in his first game in two months, but the Pelicans still lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 104-97. Anthony Edwards highlighted a 32-point performance with seven 3-pointers to take the luster off Williamson’s return from a 27-game absence.

It wasn’t enough though as the Pelicans fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-97 Tuesday night at Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans (7-30) were hoping Williamson’s return could keep the momentum going from the past four days when the team won back-to-back games for just the second time this season.

Zion Williamson made his return to the court Tuesday night following a 27-game absence with a hamstring strain. It was a welcome sight for fans of the New Orleans Pelicans and highlight-reel dunks. But it didn't result in a Pelicans win.

Anthony Edwards highlighted a 32-point performance with seven 3-pointers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the New Orleans Pelicans 104-97 to take some luster off of Zion Williamson’s return from a 27-game absence.

Anthony Edwards scored 32 points and the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves spoiled Zion Williamson's return by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 104-97 on Tuesday night.

Zion Williamson (22 pts) shines in his return to game action, Dejounte Murray (29 pts) plays one of his best games of season for #Pelicans, but Timberwolves gain control in second