LA the Clippers (33-32) beat Minnesota Timberwolves (40-26) 153-128 at home on Wednesday, March 11. The final margin was 25 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Clippers struck first, taking the opening quarter 38-27 and a 11-point lead after one. The Timberwolves cut into the deficit with a 38-36 second quarter, though the Clippers still led by 9 at halftime.
The Clippers won the third 35-33 to create some separation, taking a 11-point lead into the fourth. The Clippers took the fourth 44-30; the Clippers finished the job for a 153-128 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Clippers took better care of the ball, turning it over on 9.9% of possessions compared with 20.2% for the Timberwolves. The Clippers got more from their shots, finishing at 75% effective field-goal shooting compared with 66.9% for the Timberwolves. Those extra possessions were crucial.
At roughly 102 possessions per team, the Clippers produced 149.6 points per 100 possessions to 125.1 for the Timberwolves.
The Clippers' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 57-43.
Who stood out
Kawhi Leonard was the game's biggest individual force for LAC: 45 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast on 15-20 shooting. His Game Score of 43 led everyone. His team was +41 with him on the floor.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 36 pts, 2 reb, 5 ast on 11-17 shooting, good for a 27.8 Game Score.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Clippers about a 68% chance.
Across the last 6 meetings in our records, Minnesota Timberwolves lead 5-1.
The Clippers are now 33-32, and the Timberwolves are 40-26. The Clippers last five before this game: W-W-L-W-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.