INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- “I feel like any shot that I take is a good shot,” Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards said after making the game securing 22 foot three point step back jumpshot.
At one point it was anyone's game. The Los Angeles Clippers found their footing in the second half, as the energy shift was noticeable in Intuit Dome. Each aggressive drive to the paint securing a finish at the basket made the lights throughout the arena twinkle and made the crowd get louder.
This wasn't enough to contest the 2026 NBA All-Star MVP Anthony Edwards from having 31 points in 36 minutes to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 94-88 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
As time crept down with neither team in a comfortable position, it was up to Edwards to make the play. While he was expertly dribbling the ball, he was also orchestrating his team's next play. With Clippers guard Kris Dunn closely defending him, even adding a slight jersey tug, and Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. came in to add defensive support, Edwards hooped behind the arc, and made the most meaningful three of the game.
“That’s what I do.” The sentiment Ant exuberantly expressed to Minnesota's head coach Chris Finch after he did what he did. Following the game Ant explained this moment, saying that the play before this one Finch told him to pass the ball. Ant didn’t agree and told him, “you don't want me to pass the ball. You want me to shoot it.”
Midway through the 1st quarter would be the last moment for a while that the Clippers had the lead which read 14-12 LA. Until half way through the 3rd quarter it was a 2 foot dunk from Derrick Jones Jr. that gave LA the edge putting them ahead 52-50. Before the game shifting dunk that fouled a third quarter resurgence, the Timberwolves were in control of the game for the majority of the first half.
It became a nailbitter in the fourth quarter that came with back and forth lead changes and two ties that had this one going either way. Ultimately it would be Minnesota's ability to make big shots when it counts. There was a one point difference with less than a minute left on the clock when the scoreboard read 89-88 Minnesota. Then Edwards made a consequential three pointer with 42.9 seconds left in the game, making it 92-88. The Clippers immediately called timeout, possibly interrupting Ant Man's flow, coming up with a plan themselves to hopefully make something happen.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, these Timberwolves were not going to let this one go. Edwards was hyped after making that clutch three, making sure it's clear that this isn't anything new.
The Timberwolves take down of the Clippers was a group effort. “You know I love Jaden’s defense, like I said man he’s always the X factor for us,” Edwards on what he liked from some of the composure he saw from his team.
The Clippers did look to have urgency to keep them in it, with three starters and two players coming off the bench ending the game scoring in double digits. Their two leading scorers being Derrick Jones Jr. who has looked to be in offensive flow, ending this one with 18 points. Along with Bennedict Mathurin who had 14 points, 6 rebounds, and a steal. Kris Dunn added a significant presence on the court with his assertive play style, putting up 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
Post game Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue briefly spoke to how Jones Jr. has had an impact, “he's attacking in transition which is really good for us.” Lue elaborated in that Jones Jr. has been very aggressive and getting to the basket and getting down hill.
The Clips were shorthanded as they played this game without two impactful players for them. Star Kawhi Leonard was out as he deals with left ankle soreness. Forward John Collins was out with a head injury that he sustained the week prior in a game against their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers.
