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Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points in the Clippers’ 153-128 romp over the Timberwolves

Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points in the Clippers' 153-128 romp over the Timberwolves | iNFOnews.ca
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points and the Los Angeles Clippers routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 153-128 on Wednesday night, moving above .500 with their third straight victory and sixth in seven games.

Eighth in the Western Conference at 33-32 after opening 6-21, the Clippers had their highest points total of the season. They blew out Minnesota after beating New York on Monday night to open a five-game homestand.

Leonard was 15 of 20 from the the field, 6 of 9 on 3s and made 9 of 10 free throws. Los Angeles made 19 of 37 3s.

Bennedict Mathurin scored 22 points for Los Angeles. Clippers newcomer Darius Garland had 21, hitting five 3-pointers.

Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 36 points and Naz Reid had 18.

Minnesota dropped to sixth in the tight Western Conference, but only a half-game behind the third-place Lakers. The Timberwolves have lost three in a row after winning five straight. They lost to the Lakers on Tuesday night to open four-game trip.

Leonard scored 18 points in the first quarter to help Los Angeles take a 38-27 lead. He had 28 at the half, with the Clippers up 74-65, and went to the fourth with 39 and LA ahead 109-98. Los Angeles had a 44-30 edge in the fourth.

Up next

Timberwolves: At Golden State on Friday night.

Clippers: Host Chicago on Friday night.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points in the Clippers' 153-128 romp over the Timberwolves | iNFOnews.ca
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points in the Clippers' 153-128 romp over the Timberwolves | iNFOnews.ca
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) draws a foul against Los Angeles Clippers forward Isaiah Jackson (23) and guard Jordan Miller (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points in the Clippers' 153-128 romp over the Timberwolves | iNFOnews.ca
Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller (22) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points in the Clippers' 153-128 romp over the Timberwolves | iNFOnews.ca
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland gestures after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

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