Clippers rally past Timberwolves behind Kawhi’s 36

LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) keeps the ball away from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) during the fourth qiuarter at Staples Center on January 22, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers shook off a slow start to beat the Timberwolves 119-112 in Minnesota, avoiding their first three-game losing streak of the season.

Kawhi Leonard scored 36 points with eight rebounds and five assists and Lou Williams added a season-high 27 points off the bench for the Clippers who were without scoring threat Paul George.

The Clippers welcomed starting guard Patrick Beverley back to action after an eight-game injury absence.

💥 Kawhi's season-high 36 PTS power the @LAClippers! pic.twitter.com/sxbmUL2d05

— NBA (@NBA) February 11, 2021

A “super fired-up” Beverley scored six points in 18 minutes as he brought his trademark intensity to a game in which the Clippers trailed 32-27 after the first quarter and 53-47 at halftime.

But they were outscored by 13 in the third quarter and never led in the fourth.

Naz Reid led Minnesota with 23 points off the bench. Malik Beasley scored 21 and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 18 in his first contest back from a 13-game absence since announcing in January he had tested positive for Covid-19.