The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered an impressive performance against the Los Angeles Clippers, securing a dominant 127-101 victory on Friday night in their first NBA Cup game of the 2026-27 season. LaMelo Ball led the way with a season-high 24 points, helping Minnesota overcome the absence of injured superstar Anthony Edwards.
The Clippers vs Timberwolves matchup at Target Center in Minneapolis saw the Timberwolves control the game and secure their fourth victory of the season. Jaden McDaniels contributed 23 points, while Bones Hyland provided a major spark off the bench with 19 points and eight assists.
For Minnesota, the victory was particularly important because it came after consecutive defeats and the news that Edwards would miss approximately two months following arthroscopic knee surgery.
Clippers vs Timberwolves Final Score
The Timberwolves defeated the Clippers 127-101, opening their NBA Cup group-stage campaign with a convincing 26-point victory.
Final Score:
- Los Angeles Clippers: 101
- Minnesota Timberwolves: 127
Minnesota improved its record to 4-2, while Los Angeles dropped to 1-4 after suffering its fourth consecutive defeat.
The Timberwolves established control early and maintained their advantage throughout the contest. Their offensive execution, defensive intensity and contributions from the bench proved too much for the Clippers.
LaMelo Ball Leads Timberwolves With 24 Points
LaMelo Ball delivered one of his best performances of the young season, finishing with a team-high 24 points.
Ball also knocked down six three-pointers, providing Minnesota with the outside shooting and offensive creativity it needed without Anthony Edwards.
His biggest contribution came during the fourth quarter, when he connected on three shots from beyond the arc as Minnesota produced a decisive 20-2 scoring run.
Ball’s performance was especially encouraging because the Timberwolves need him to take on additional responsibility while Edwards recovers from surgery.
His ability to create opportunities, control the offense and score from long range could become essential to Minnesota’s success over the coming weeks.
Jaden McDaniels Delivers an All-Around Performance
Jaden McDaniels was another major reason behind Minnesota’s comfortable victory.
He finished with 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds, shooting an efficient 11-for-15 from the field.
McDaniels made an impact on both ends of the floor, combining his offensive production with strong defensive work.
His performance demonstrated that Minnesota has multiple players capable of stepping up when its biggest stars are unavailable.
Bones Hyland Provides a Huge Boost Off the Bench
Bones Hyland played an important role in the Timberwolves’ victory, finishing with 19 points and eight assists.
His scoring and playmaking gave Minnesota another offensive option and highlighted the team’s bench depth.
With Edwards expected to miss significant time, the Timberwolves will need different players to contribute on different nights.
Hyland’s performance was an encouraging sign that Minnesota can find production beyond its starting lineup.
He also celebrated several important plays in front of the home crowd as the Timberwolves built their commanding lead.
Clippers Struggle as Darius Garland Scores 24 Points
The Los Angeles Clippers struggled to keep pace with Minnesota, suffering another disappointing defeat.
Darius Garland led the Clippers with 24 points on 10-for-22 shooting from the field.
Brook Lopez added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, but Los Angeles could not generate enough consistent offense to challenge the Timberwolves.
Rookie Keaton Wagler finished with 12 points, shooting 2-for-11 from the field. He also recorded a minus-24 rating.
Rui Hachimura returned to the starting lineup after missing one game because of a quadriceps issue. He contributed 12 points in 26 minutes.
The Clippers were also without newcomers Brandon Ingram and Max Strus, who remained sidelined with foot injuries.
Their absences created additional challenges for a team already struggling to find consistency.
Timberwolves Find Their Rhythm Without Anthony Edwards
One of the biggest storylines entering the game was how Minnesota would respond without Anthony Edwards.
Edwards underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after an examination revealed that his injury required a procedure. The injury is expected to keep him out for approximately two months.
Minnesota had struggled in its previous game against Golden State, losing 119-114 after an overtime defeat against Cleveland.
However, the victory over the Clippers offered a much-needed response.
LaMelo Ball took greater responsibility offensively, McDaniels delivered an efficient performance, and Hyland provided valuable production from the bench.
Rudy Gobert also played an important role defensively, protecting the paint and helping Minnesota establish control inside.
The improved connection between Ball and Gobert in pick-and-roll situations was another positive development for the Timberwolves.
Timberwolves vs Clippers: NBA Cup Group-Stage Implications
The Timberwolves vs Clippers matchup was also important because it marked Minnesota’s first game in the 2026 NBA Cup group stage.
Minnesota is competing in a group that includes:
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Memphis Grizzlies
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Los Angeles Clippers
The 26-point victory gives Minnesota an excellent start in the competition.
Point differential can become an important tiebreaker in NBA Cup group-stage qualification, making the size of the Timberwolves’ victory particularly valuable.
Minnesota has not advanced beyond the group stage in its previous NBA Cup appearances. This season, the team will be hoping to change that record.
Although the Oklahoma City Thunder present a significant challenge, Minnesota’s opening performance provides plenty of encouragement.
What’s Next for the Clippers and Timberwolves?
The Clippers will look to bounce back when they visit the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Los Angeles needs to find a way to stop its losing streak and improve its offensive consistency.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
Minnesota will attempt to build on its impressive victory and continue collecting wins while Edwards recovers.
Final Takeaway
The Clippers vs Timberwolves game delivered an important statement from Minnesota. Despite losing Anthony Edwards for an extended period, the Timberwolves showed that they have enough offensive depth and defensive quality to remain competitive.
LaMelo Ball’s 24-point performance, Jaden McDaniels’ all-around contribution and Bones Hyland’s excellent work off the bench helped Minnesota secure a 127-101 victory.
For the Clippers, the fourth consecutive defeat raises further questions about their early-season form.
Minnesota, meanwhile, can take confidence from its first NBA Cup victory and the way its supporting players responded to the absence of Edwards.
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