The Clippers walked into Minneapolis on Sunday and left with more than just a win - they sent a message.
No Darius Garland. No Bennedict Mathurin.
No problem. Despite missing two of their newest trade deadline additions, the Los Angeles Clippers steamrolled the Minnesota Timberwolves, 115-96, in a game that felt like a turning point for a team trying to find its footing.
This wasn’t just a good win - it was a statement. Against a Timberwolves squad that’s been near the top of the Western Conference all season, the Clippers didn’t just compete - they controlled the game from start to finish.
Kawhi Sets the Tone, But It Wasn’t a One-Man Show
Kawhi Leonard was in full takeover mode, dropping 41 points and grabbing eight boards. He looked every bit the two-way force that’s carried teams deep into the playoffs before. But as dominant as Kawhi was, this game was about more than just one superstar performance.
The Clippers were locked in as a unit. They brought energy, execution, and a level of urgency that’s been missing at times this season.
Clippers Punch First - and Hard
The turning point came late in the second quarter. With the game still within reach, the Clippers ripped off an 18-2 run that pushed their lead to 54-42 at the break. From there, they never looked back.
Minnesota, usually a disciplined and efficient team, looked completely out of sync. They shot just 3-of-18 from beyond the arc in the first half and coughed up the ball 13 times before halftime. Anthony Edwards, who ended the night with 23 points, struggled early - 0-for-6 from deep and four turnovers before the break.
And things only got worse from there.
In the third, the Clippers slammed the door shut with another backbreaking run - this time 17-3 - ballooning their lead to 21 points heading into the fourth. At one point, the lead swelled to 28. This wasn’t just a win - it was a dismantling.
Balanced Attack Shows Depth Still Matters
Kawhi might’ve been the headliner, but this was a total team effort.
John Collins gave them a steady 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, playing within the flow and picking his spots. Rookie big Yanic Konan Niederhauser had arguably his best performance of the season, also finishing with 15 points and showing flashes of why the Clippers are excited about his future.
Off the bench, Kobe Sanders added 10 points, including two timely threes during that pivotal third-quarter surge. His spark helped bury any hopes of a Timberwolves comeback.
This kind of balanced scoring - four players in double figures - is exactly what the Clippers need in the wake of recent trades that sent James Harden and Ivica Zubac packing. It’s not just about replacing names; it’s about building chemistry and rediscovering identity. On Sunday, they looked like a group that’s starting to do just that.
Why This Win Matters - A Lot
Let’s be clear: the Clippers are still under .500 at 25-27. They’re on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture in the West. But wins like this - on the road, against a top-tier opponent, without key new additions - they carry weight.
Minnesota, now 32-22, has dropped three of its last four, all to teams with losing records. But this one stings more than most.
The Timberwolves were held under 100 points for just the second time all season. They shot 8-of-33 from deep and turned it over 20 times.
That’s not the kind of performance you expect from a team with championship aspirations.
For the Clippers, though, this could be the spark they’ve been searching for.
Leonard continues to quietly put together a strong season - averaging 27.7 points on 49.7% shooting - and when he plays like he did Sunday, the Clippers can go toe-to-toe with anyone.
With the All-Star break looming, this win couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s the kind of performance that can galvanize a locker room, especially one that’s been through recent roster upheaval.
The Clippers still have work to do, but if Sunday was any indication, they’re not ready to fade into the background just yet.