KEY POINTS
- Kawhi Leonard dropped 45 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 153-128 victory over Minnesota.
- Los Angeles became the first NBA team to move above .500 in a season after being 15 games under.
- The Clippers set a new season high for points scored while securing their third consecutive win.
Kawhi Leonard delivered a masterclass performance on Wednesday night to propel the Los Angeles Clippers to a historic win. The veteran forward scored 45 points in a 153-128 demolition of the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Intuit Dome. This victory marks a significant milestone for a franchise that has completely transformed its season over the last three months.
The Clippers have now achieved a winning record for the first time during the 2025-2026 campaign. They currently sit at 33-32 after a disastrous 6-21 start to the year. No other team in NBA history has ever climbed back above the .500 mark after falling 15 games below it in the same season. This turnaround highlights the team’s resilience following early-season roster adjustments.
Leonard showcased elite efficiency throughout the evening by connecting on 15 of his 20 field goal attempts. He also found success from beyond the arc, hitting six of his nine shots from three-point range. His scoring output included 28 points in the first half alone to set a dominant tone. This performance was his fifth game with at least 40 points this season.
Several teammates provided high-level support to help the Clippers reach their highest point total of the year. Bennedict Mathurin contributed 22 points while newcomer Darius Garland added 21 points and five three-pointers. The team collectively shot a staggering 63.4 percent from the floor. They also converted 19 of their 37 attempts from long distance.
Minnesota struggled to contain the Clippers’ offensive surge despite a strong individual effort from Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves star finished with 36 points but received limited help from the rest of the starting lineup. Minnesota committed 21 turnovers which led to frequent transition opportunities for Los Angeles. The loss represents the third straight defeat for the Timberwolves.
The game concluded with a brief moment of tension as players from both teams gathered near mid-court. A scuffle reportedly broke out involving Bennedict Mathurin and Naz Reid over the possession of the game ball. Clippers players were attempting to secure the ball for rookie Sean Pedulla, who scored his first career NBA points. Security personnel quickly intervened to direct both squads to their respective locker rooms.
With this win, the Clippers move into eighth place in the competitive Western Conference standings. They have now won six of their last seven games as they push for a guaranteed playoff spot. The team appears to have found its rhythm at home, winning 15 of their last 20 contests in Inglewood.
The Clippers will look to extend their winning streak on Friday night when they host the Chicago Bulls. Minnesota will attempt to snap their current skid during a road game against the Golden State Warriors. Both teams are fighting for positioning in a Western Conference playoff race that remains incredibly tight.
