Leonard Explodes for 41 Points as Clippers Rout Slumping Timberwolves 115-96

Kawhi Leonard turned back the clock with a dominant 41-point performance, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a convincing 115-96 victory over the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday at Target Center. Leonard added eight rebounds in a complete performance that showcased why he remains one of the NBA's most feared offensive weapons when healthy. The Clippers controlled the game from start to finish, exploiting Minnesota's defensive breakdowns and forcing the Timberwolves into 20 turnovers. Los Angeles played without key trade deadline acquisitions, as Darius Garland—obtained from Cleveland in the James Harden trade—remained sidelined with a sprained big toe on his right foot. Despite the absence, the Clippers found ample scoring support beyond Leonard's explosive night. John Collins contributed 15 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting, while Yanic Konan Niederhauser also added 15 points to give the Clippers a balanced offensive attack. The team's defensive intensity stifled Minnesota's perimeter game, limiting the Timberwolves to just 8-of-33 shooting from three-point range. That 24.2% mark from beyond the arc proved fatal for Minnesota's chances of mounting any serious comeback. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 23 points, while Julius Randle chipped in 17 points in a losing effort. The Timberwolves were held under 100 points for just the second time this season, a troubling sign for a team that entered the game already mired in a slump. Minnesota's offensive struggles were compounded by poor shot selection and careless ball handling throughout the contest. The victory comes at a crucial time for the Clippers as they navigate the Western Conference playoff race. With Garland expected to make his Clippers debut soon, Los Angeles is positioning itself as a dangerous team heading into the postseason. The franchise made significant moves at the trade deadline by acquiring Garland in exchange for Harden, signaling a shift in their offensive philosophy and backcourt construction. For Minnesota, the loss extends a troubling stretch that has seen them struggle to find consistency on both ends of the floor. The Timberwolves will need to address their three-point shooting woes and turnover issues if they hope to climb back up the Western Conference standings. With Edwards and Randle forming a potent scoring duo, Minnesota has the talent to turn things around, but Sunday's performance raised questions about their ability to compete with the conference's elite teams when their outside shot isn't falling.