Clippers bounce back from big loss by routing Wolves

[December 31, 2020]  Lou Williams scored 20 points off the bench and the host Los Angeles Clippers crushed the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-101 on Tuesday.

Williams, who also had five assists, converted 7 of 11 shots as the Clippers bounced back from a franchise-worst, 51-point setback to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

Paul George had 18 points, six rebounds and five assists while Serge Ibaka collected 16 points and eight boards for Los Angeles. Luke Kennard contributed 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range.

Guard Patrick Beverley and center Ivica Zubac each scored 12 for the Clippers, who played their second consecutive game without Kawhi Leonard (mouth laceration) and fourth straight without Marcus Morris Sr. (sore knee).

D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 22 points. Malik Beasley scored 19, Ricky Rubio had 17, Anthony Edwards contributed 12 and Naz Reid chipped in 11.

Minnesota was without center Karl-Anthony Towns (dislocated wrist) and guard Josh Okogie (hamstring strain).

The Clippers seized control in the first half before blowing the contest open in the third quarter. By the end of the quarter, the Clippers owned a 105-76 lead. They outscored the Wolves 35-26 in the third.

Los Angeles trailed by nine in the opening five minutes of the first quarter. However, the Clippers dictated from that point on.

They took a 33-29 lead after one quarter before increasing it to as much as 22 in the second quarter. The Clippers led 70-50 at the break, outscoring the Wolves 37-21 in the second.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) scores a basket against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Williams led all first-half scorers with 15 points.

The Clippers hit 56.5 percent of their shots to 37.5 percent for the Wolves in the first half. Overall, Los Angeles made 53.4 percent to 41.6 percent for Minnesota.

Los Angeles recorded 32 assists to 22 for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota was blown out for the second game in a row after winning its initial two contests. The Wolves lost 127-91 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

--Field Level Media

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