The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night, securing a decisive 108-80 victory and snapping the Clippers’ nine-game home winning streak, The Associated Press reports.
Fueled by a blistering first quarter, the Timberwolves cruised to their third consecutive win after a four-game losing skid.
Julius Randle led the charge for Minnesota, exploding for 16 of his 20 points in the opening period alone. He showcased his range, sinking four 3-pointers in the first half, before finishing his scoring performance before the break. Anthony Edwards also contributed 16 points to the Timberwolves’ offensive onslaught.
The Timberwolves’ dominance was evident early. After a tight start, they unleashed an 18-4 run in the first quarter, propelled by Randle’s eight points, to seize control of the game. Their superior transition game was a key factor, as they outscored the Clippers 32-8 in fast-break points, an astounding 20-0 advantage in the first half alone. Josh Minott added 13 points off the bench for Minnesota.
Bones Hyland paced the Clippers with 18 points, highlighted by a season-high five 3-pointers. Derrick Jones Jr. chipped in 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Timberwolves’ overwhelming performance. The Clippers’ 27-point halftime deficit proved insurmountable. Their largest deficit reached 41 points in the second half.
The loss marked the Clippers’ third defeat in three attempts on the second night of a back-to-back this season, dropping their overall back-to-back record to 8-4.
The game held historical significance. With the Lakers suffering a 41-point defeat in Miami earlier in the evening, it marked only the second time both Los Angeles teams have lost by 25 or more points on the same night, according to Sportradar. The previous instance occurred on April 18, 2005.
