Key Takeaways:
- Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 153-128
- The Clippers achieved their highest points total of the season, securing their third consecutive win and sixth victory in seven games
- Minnesota suffered their third straight loss, slipping to sixth place in the Western Conference
Clippers Dominate with Season-High Points Total
The Los Angeles Clippers surged above the .500 mark after dismantling the Minnesota Timberwolves 153-128 at Inglewood, Calif., on Wednesday night. This emphatic win marked the Clippers’ third straight triumph and their sixth victory in the last seven games, propelling them to eighth in the Western Conference standings at 33-32. The club, which began the season 6-21, managed to record their highest scoring output of the campaign.
CLIPPERS WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/zWEFKyctI8
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 12, 2026
Following a commanding performance against New York on Monday to launch a five-game homestand, the Clippers carried their momentum into this contest, delivering a relentless offensive display that left Minnesota trailing across all four quarters.
Leonard Headlines with Efficient Scoring Display
Kawhi Leonard produced a sensational individual performance, amassing 45 points by shooting 15 of 20 from the field, converting 6 of 9 attempts from three-point range, and sinking 9 of 10 free throws. His early offensive aggression saw him tally 18 points in the opening period, allowing Los Angeles to claim a 38-27 lead. Leonard had accumulated 28 by the interval, as the Clippers led 74-65 at the break, and he entered the fourth quarter with 39 points, with the hosts in front 109-98. Los Angeles outpaced Minnesota 44-30 in the final period to close out the decisive win.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 45 | 5 | 5 |
| Bennedict Mathurin | Clippers | 22 | 2 | 3 |
| Darius Garland | Clippers | 21 | 1 | 6 |
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 36 | 2 | 5 |
| Naz Reid | Timberwolves | 18 | 3 | 0 |
Supporting Casts and Offensive Firepower
Bennedict Mathurin contributed 22 points for Los Angeles, while recent addition Darius Garland registered 21 points, making five three-pointers to further widen the Clippers’ margin. As a team, the hosts connected on 19 of 37 three-point attempts, highlighting their formidable perimeter shooting.
Tough Stretch for Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards topped the scoring charts for Minnesota with 36 points, and Naz Reid chipped in with 18. The Timberwolves, who began their four-game road trip with a defeat to the Lakers on Tuesday night, have now suffered three consecutive losses after previously stringing together five straight victories. The latest setback saw them fall to sixth place in the closely contested Western Conference, just half a game behind the third-placed Lakers.
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Timberwolves will take on the Golden State Warriors on Friday night as their road trip continues. The Clippers, meanwhile, will aim to extend their winning streak when they host Chicago on Friday night.
