Leonard pours in 32 to fuel Clippers against Timberwolves in tough matchup

Kawhi Leonard led the Los Angeles Clippers with 32 points to edge out the West no. 1 Minnesota Timberwolves, 89-88, Monday (PHL).

Kawhi Leonard today:

📊 32 PTS | 12-26 FG | 5 REB | 2 STL

Took down the first seed Timberwolves, having their first win at Minnesota since November 5, 2021.pic.twitter.com/WSN6a2NEhk

— BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) March 3, 2024

After a slow first quarter, the Clippers used a 31-16 second quarter to make it a game, setting up a finish that is divergent to today's high-scoring exploits. 

In a key fourth-quarter play, Kawhi completed an and-one with 2:01 to go to break an 84-all tie. Karl-Anthony Towns’ dunk with 1:40 left brought Minnesota within one, but Anthony Edwards missed a trey for the lead with a minute remaining. Leonard then shot two free throws for a three-point lead with 13 seconds left. 

Norman Powell emerged with a season-high 24 points while Paul George contributed 15 points to back up Kawhi.

Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell:

56 PTS
21/39 FG
7/12 3FG

All other Clippers:

33 PTS
11/46 FG
3/26 3FG pic.twitter.com/HlGwmMRmh7

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 3, 2024

James Harden only had four points but tallied 10 assists including this lob to Leonard all the way from halfcourt.

James Harden LOBS it to Kawhi Leonard from halfcourt 😱pic.twitter.com/f0nSKzYWfe

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 3, 2024

Anthony Edwards racked up 27 points for the Timberwolves, who previously won four games in a row before the encounter with the Clippers.

The Minnesota frontcourt was productive in the loss as Karl-Anthony Towns went for 18 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Rudy Gobert added 12 points and 16 boards.

The Clippers played without Russell Westbrook after he fractured his left hand in a home victory over Washington on Friday night. Ivica Zubac (2 points) returned after missing two games with an illness.