Clippers Falter Against Timberwolves: Kawhi’s Return and Lineup Challenges
The LA Clippers suffered a narrow 108-106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game that saw Kawhi Leonard’s second appearance since his return. Despite building a 19-point lead, the Clippers couldn’t hold on, raising questions about lineup decisions and player rotations.
Our strong start was fueled by aggressive play from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Leonard knocked down two three-pointers and showed flashes of his old self. Harden contributed with early baskets and assists, helping us jump out to a 25-10 lead.
Our lockdown defense was key in the first quarter, holding the Timberwolves to just 30% shooting and 14% from three-point range. However, the tide began to turn in the second quarter as Minnesota found their rhythm from beyond the arc.
Kawhi’s Performance and Minutes Restriction
Leonard finished with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 21 minutes of play. His three-point shooting looked promising, going 2-for-5, but he struggled inside the arc, shooting just 1-for-6 on two-point attempts. It’s clear that Kawhi is still working his way back to game shape, and his minutes restriction presents a challenge for our rotations and offensive flow.
Lineup Decisions and Defensive Concerns
One of the key takeaways from this game was the decision to start Kris Dunn over Terance Mann. While Dunn’s defense is valuable, his offensive struggles (1-for-5 from the field, 0-for-4 from three) hurt our spacing and overall offensive output. I believe we need to consider starting Derrick Jones Jr. moving forward to provide better offensive balance and vertical spacing.
Another concern is our lack of a true backup center. Playing small lineups with Nicolas Batum at the five leaves us vulnerable defensively, especially against teams with strong interior presences. We may need to explore options for a reliable backup big man as the season progresses.
James Harden and Norman Powell led our scoring with 22 and 25 points respectively, but their combined 15-for-39 shooting wasn’t efficient enough to secure the win. Anthony Edwards’ late-game heroics for Minnesota ultimately proved too much to overcome.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ performance against the Timberwolves, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:
• Detailed analysis of Kawhi Leonard’s shot selection and offensive involvement
• The impact of Mike Conley’s performance against the Clippers
• Discussion on the NBA’s current approach to hand-checking and its effect on defense
