Kawhi’s Masterclass Propels Clippers Over .500 in Historic Rout of Timberwolves
Los Angeles Clippers #2 Kawhi Leonard (F) is just above the mid-court line being defended by the Minnesota Timberwolves #12 Kyle Anderson (F) at the Intuit Dome. Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs/TGSportstv1 March 11, 2026.
INGLEWOOD, CA – After a 6-21 start that threatened to derail their season, the Los Angeles Clippers climbed above the .500 mark for the first time in months on Wednesday night, dismantling the Minnesota Timberwolves 153-128 in a historic offensive performance at the Intuit Dome.
Kawhi Leonard delivered a season-high 45 points in a display of pure efficiency. Leonard was nearly automatic from the opening tip, shooting 15-of-20 from the floor and 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. His performance led the charge for the Clippers' offense that reached its highest point total of the season, marking their third straight victory and their sixth win in the last seven games.
The Clippers (33-32) showcased a perimeter assault that Minnesota simply could not contain, knocking down 19-of-37 triples as a team. Bennedict Mathurin continued his strong play with 22 points, while newcomer Darius Garland added 21 points, including five three-pointers, to keep the pressure on the Timberwolves' defense throughout the night.
The tone was set early by Leonard, who poured in 18 points in the first quarter to give Los Angeles a 38-27 lead. Minnesota attempted to keep pace behind Anthony Edwards, who finished with 36 points, but the Clippers' offensive engine never cooled.
Minnesota Timberwolves #5 Anthony Edwards (G) who scored 35 points is being guarded by the Los Angeles Clippers #8 Kris Dunn at the Intuit Dome. Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs/TGSportstv1 March 11, 2026.
Leonard went into the halftime break with 28 points and entered the final frame with 39, as the Clippers led 109-98. Any hopes of a Timberwolves comeback were laid to rest in the fourth quarter, where Los Angeles outscored Minnesota 44-30 to turn the game into a rout.
Following the win, Head Coach Tyronn Lue reflected on the resilience required to dig out of their early-season hole. "To be where we were at 6-21 and to now be over .500 is a testament to the character in that locker room," Lue said during the post-game press conference. "We didn't point fingers. We just kept working. Tonight was a glimpse of what we can be when we're clicking on all cylinders. Kawhi set the tone early, and everyone else fed off that energy."
In the locker room, Leonard remained focused on the broader trajectory of the team rather than his individual 45-point night. "It feels good to get the win and get above .500, but we’re not satisfied," Leonard noted. "I just tried to be aggressive and take what the defense was giving me. We're starting to find our rhythm as a group, and the ball movement tonight was exactly where it needs to be."
Los Angeles Clippers #22 Jordan Miller (G) is going strong to the basket for a dunk while being challenge by the Minnesota Timberwolves #30 Julius Randle (F) at the Intuit Dome. Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs/TGSportstv1 March 11, 2026.
Darius Garland, who has integrated seamlessly into the rotation, credited the team's spacing for his success. "When Kawhi is playing like that, the floor just opens up for everyone else," Garland said. "We're playing for each other right now, and you can feel the momentum building."
The loss drops Minnesota to sixth in a crowded Western Conference, just a half-game ahead of the Lakers. The Timberwolves have now lost three straight following a five-game winning streak.
The Clippers will look to extend their winning streak on Friday night as they host the Chicago Bulls, while the Timberwolves head to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors.