The Minnesota Timberwolves made a powerful statement Wednesday night, dismantling the Los Angeles Clippers 108-80 at Crypto.com Arena.
Julius Randle spearheaded the effort, scoring 16 of his 20 points in the first quarter, as the Timberwolves cruised to their third straight victory.
Randle came out firing, hitting four 3-pointers in the first half to set the tone for a dominant Minnesota performance. By halftime, the Timberwolves had built a commanding 27-point lead, leaving little doubt about the game’s outcome. Their advantage swelled to 41 points in the second half, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive discipline.
Anthony Edwards added 16 points for Minnesota, while Josh Minott provided a spark off the bench with 13 points. The Timberwolves excelled in transition, outscoring the Clippers 32-8 on fast breaks, including a staggering 20-0 edge in the first half. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers and push the pace was a key factor in the blowout win.
For the Clippers, Bones Hyland led the team with 18 points, including a season-high five 3-pointers. Derrick Jones Jr. contributed 14 points, but Los Angeles struggled to find rhythm on either end of the floor. The loss snapped the Clippers’ nine-game home winning streak, as they fell to 8-4 in back-to-backs this season.
The game’s turning point came early. After trailing 10-9, the Timberwolves erupted for an 18-4 run over nearly four minutes in the first quarter. Randle was instrumental during this stretch, scoring eight points, while the Wolves’ defensive pressure forced the Clippers into mistakes and tough shots.
Minnesota’s defensive effort was as impressive as its offensive execution. The Timberwolves consistently disrupted the Clippers’ offense, holding them to just 80 points and limiting their transition opportunities. By dominating the boards and forcing turnovers, Minnesota controlled the game from start to finish.
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The Timberwolves’ bench provided crucial support, with Minott leading the way and several players stepping up in limited minutes. The balanced scoring effort underscored Minnesota’s depth and ability to spread the floor, as they found open looks and capitalized on mismatches throughout the night.
For the Clippers, the defeat raised concerns about their consistency in back-to-back games. Falling to .500 in second-night matchups, they appeared out of sync and fatigued after an emotional stretch of home victories. Despite Hyland’s shooting display, the team lacked the defensive intensity needed to slow Minnesota’s explosive start.
One statistical oddity highlighted the challenging night for Los Angeles basketball. Alongside the Clippers’ 28-point loss, their city rivals suffered a 41-point defeat in Miami, marking only the second time both Los Angeles teams have lost by 25 points or more on the same night. The last occurrence was in April 2005.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will aim to keep their momentum rolling as they visit the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Meanwhile, the Clippers will look to regroup when they host the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
This victory signals a resurgence for Minnesota, which endured a four-game losing streak earlier this season. With Randle leading the charge and Edwards providing consistent scoring, the Timberwolves appear poised to solidify their place in the Western Conference playoff picture. As for the Clippers, finding stability and consistency remains an urgent priority as they navigate a competitive season.
