Not even a splendid performance from Kobe Bufkin was enough to stop the New Orleans Pelicans’ Summer League woes Thursday.
Bufkin poured in 30 points, but the Pelicans fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-92 in the Summer League opener in Las Vegas.
The Pelicans have now lost 12 straight games in Summer League play. Their last win in Summer League play was in their next-to-last game in 2023.
Bufkin, who has the most NBA experience on the Pels’ Summer League roster, scored 21 of his points in the first half. That included three 3-pointers. In the game, he knocked down five of nine 3-pointers to go with his six rebounds and two assists.
Bufkin was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He spent his first two seasons in Atlanta and played last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, appearing in 16 games.
Pelicans’ coach Jamahl Mosley spoke Monday about what this opportunity means for Bufkin.
“I think it’s great for Kobe,” Mosley said. “He’s been excellent in his communication with the coaches in what he’s trying to do and what we’re asking of him to do. Just be a facilitator and attack the basket when he needs to. Defensively, can he pick guys up full court? Can he make it harder for the other team’s point guard? It’s a great opportunity for him, but it’s a great opportunity for all these guys to show what they are capable of doing.”
While Bufkin was the most experienced player, the Pelicans also got big contributions from the smallest guy on the court. Markquis Nowell, a 5-foot-7 guard, finished with 20 points, six assists, five steals and four rebounds.
Micah Peavy, who played in 61 games for the Pelicans as a rookie this past season, scored 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting. He shot 2-for-4 on 3-pointers, a vast improvement from his rookie year when he shot just 25.9 % from long distance. Making strides in his shooting was an area Peavy wanted to improve during Summer League play.
“I’m going to go out and show what I’ve been working on and what this new coaching staff has been putting in place,” Peavy said Monday. “Mainly, I can show just how many shots I’ve been putting up. My confidence is there.”
The Pelicans selected Peavey in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
, scored just two points in his 12 minutes of play. did not play. He was one of five players on the roster who didn’t play.
Center Hunter Dickinson finished with 12 points and six rebounds. He was 2-for-4 on 3-pointers. Collectively, the Pelicans shot 42% (14-of-33) on 3-pointers.
The Pelicans will try to end their 12-game summer skid Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets.