The Minnesota Timberwolves’ T.J. Warren drives to the basket between Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, and Clippers guard James Harden during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards loses his balance as he drives to the basket against the Clippers’ Paul George, left, during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker attempts a shot as he is fouled by Clippers star James Harden, front, during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards drives to the basket as Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert prepares to dunk in front of Clippers star Paul George, right, and teammate Anthony Edwards during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker, center, grabs the ball between Clippers star Paul George, left, and Daniel Theis during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert grabs a rebound in front of Clippers center Daniel Theis during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, right, reacts as he is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George pleads his case with referee Justin Van Duyne during the first half of their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards drives to the basket as Clippers star Kawhi Leonard defends during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards makes a pass between Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, right, and center Ivica Zubac during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kyle Anderson attempts a shot between Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, and Clippers star Paul George during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert argues a call during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards scores on a layup in front of the Clippers’ James Harden, left, Terance Mann, center, and Ivica Zubac, right, during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley drives to the basket as the Clippers’ Terance Mann defends and Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, left, looks on during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, left, takes a 3-point shot as Clippers star Paul George defends during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Edwards scored a game-high 37 points as the Timberwolves roared back from an early 22-point deficit for a 118-100 victory. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers forward Paul George (13) dribbles past Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shoots over Clippers guard James Harden during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers guard James Harden (1) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers forward Paul George (13) dribbles around a screen set by center Ivica Zubac (40) on Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) goes up for dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers guard James Harden (1) drives past Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers forward Paul George is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, right, blocks a shot from Clippers forward Paul George (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket against the Clippers during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) shoots past Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) and center Ivica Zubac during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) takes an off-balance shot against Clippers guard Terance Mann (14), forward Paul George (13) and guard Norman Powell (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) dribbles the ball past Clippers guard Norman Powell during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson, rear, strips the ball from Clippers guard James Harden during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives past Clippers guard Terance Mann during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson (1) scores over Clippers forward Paul George (13) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, left, takes a 3-point shot as Clippers star Paul George defends during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Edwards scored a game-high 37 points as the Timberwolves roared back from an early 22-point deficit for a 118-100 victory. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after scoring past Clippers guard Bones Hyland, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Clippers guard Brandon Boston Jr. left, grabs a rebound next to Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) gestures after making a 3-point basket against the Clippers during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards smiles in the closing minutes of the team’s win over the Clippers in an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) is defended by Clippers guard Xavier Moon, top left, and center Mason Plumlee during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert pivots in front of Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards smiles after their comeback win against the Clippers on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers stars Paul George, left, and James Harden show their frustration as they make their way to the bench after a timeout during the second half of their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Bones Hyland scores in front of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kyle Anderson during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, drives past the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac reacts as he is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley celebrates after making a 3-point shot during their game against the Clippers on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Naz Reid, bottom, fends off Clippers center Ivica Zubac as they reach for a rebound on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star James Harden, right, drives to the basket past the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jordan McLaughlin during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Singer H.E.R. smiles while sitting courtside during a game between the Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Injured Clippers guard Russell stands courtside during their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker reacts as he loses the ball in front of Clippers star Paul George, left, and Daniel Theis, back, on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch directs a play from the sidelines during the second half of their victory over the Clippers on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue and Terance Mann talk on the sidelines during the second half of their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George, left, reacts as he is fouled by the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Terance Mann reacts during the second half of their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Naz Reid, right, and Kyle Anderson celebrate during their victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Norman Powell shoots as Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert defends during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George handles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards defends during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue calls out to his players from the sideline during their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star James Harden, center, looks to pass as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, left, and Kyle Anderson defend during the second half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac reacts as he is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, top, as the Timberwolves’ Naz Reid, left, reacts, on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards celebrates his 3-point basket in front of Clippers star Paul George, right, during the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES — Losing large double-digit leads has become an unnerving trend in the NBA. Many teams, whether they are top-tier or sit near the bottom of the standings, have seen significant leads evaporate amid a barrage of 3-pointers.
The Clippers have experienced this phenomenon a few times this season, the most recent coming Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After leading by as much as 22 points in the first half, the Clippers’ focus gave way, resulting in a 118-100 collapse to the Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
The dropoff seemed to coincide with Kawhi Leonard’s departure. He left the court after playing 12 minutes because of thoracic spasms that made it difficult for the All-Star wing to sit. The two-time NBA Finals MVP dressed and left Crypto.com Arena during the second quarter.
Coach Tyronn Lue said Leonard has been dealing with the spasms for a couple of days, but he decided to try and play.
“It just didn’t loosen up for him,” Lue said.
Leonard wasn’t the only Clippers starter playing in discomfort. James Harden, who has played in all 59 games that he has suited up for, has a sore left shoulder that has hampered his shooting. He made just 4 of 10 shots from the field.
It’s uncertain whether Leonard and Harden will be available for the Clippers’ upcoming two-game trip.
“We’ll see tomorrow how I feel,” Harden said.
Without Leonard and an effective Harden, the Timberwolves encountered little resistance and took advantage of the Clippers’ 18 turnovers.
Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards picked up the scoring in place of Karl-Anthony Towns, who is out with a left meniscus tear. Edwards scored 29 of his game-high 37 points in the second half and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added a season-high 28 points to lead the Timberwolves to their third victory in four games against the Clippers this season.
“He has dog,” Lue said of Edwards. “He don’t care who’s in front of him, he’s going to try. He’s going to attack you and he’s relentless.”
The game was big, not only in terms of the Western Conference standings but as a potential tiebreaker. The loss left the Clippers (41-23) sitting 3½ games behind first-place Oklahoma City Thunder and gave a head-to-head tiebreaker edge to the third-place Timberwolves, who are now three games ahead of the Clippers in the standings.
“We got to get better and understand that all these games mean something,” Lue said. “Not just Minnesota tonight with the tiebreaker, but the other 18 games after this; they all mean something. So, we’ve got to have the right approach, understanding what we want to do on offense, what we want to do on defense and actually execute it.
“That’s got to be our mindset for these last 18, 19 games.”
Especially if Leonard is out for any length of time. The two-time NBA Finals MVP sat out a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday because of left groin soreness and there wasn’t any word about how the back spasms will affect his availability going forward.
Fellow All-Star Paul George said Leonard mentioned his discomfort but still tried to push through it.
“I mean that’s him. I mean if he can go, whatever the case that the narrative people may think, being around him, he’s going to try to push through what he can and tonight was a sign of it,” George said. “But yeah, it just got locked up on him.”
George picked up as much of the slack left by Leonard, scoring 22 points on 5-of-11 shooting and making all 10 of his free-throw attempts. Harden had a quiet 12 points and seven assists, while Norman Powell finished with 12 points.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves made their move largely after Leonard departed, going on a 20-2 run that nearly erased the work the Clippers did early in building their 22-point lead. Behind Edwards’ long-range shooting, Minnesota pulled to within 59-55 with 51 seconds left in the first half.
“For the most part it’s been the same Achilles heel we’ve been having,” George said. “It’s giving up offensive rebounds. Transition, we were good to start the season off, but we’ve had slippage there. But I think more than anything, we got to give a little bit more effort.”
The Timberwolves struggled from 3-point range for much of the first half. Without Towns, the team’s second-best 3-point shooter, they languished. It wasn’t until the late shooting spree that they managed to find the basket from behind the arc.
They shot 36.4% (12 for 33) from the 3-point range and 51.1% overall (48 for 94). The Clippers shot 47.2% (34 for 72) from the field and 36.7% (11 for 30) from long range.
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That wasn’t the only area where the Timberwolves held an advantage. They outrebounded the Clippers 48-34, scored 22 more points in the paint and had 11 more second-chance points.
“You can go down the list. It was a lot of things that we didn’t do well,” Lue said. “And, I thought they were tougher than us. They played tougher than we did and that’s the result. And, so, we just got to be better.”
The Clippers managed to regroup and hang on for a 63-55 halftime lead, but that lead wasn’t safe, either.
After George buried his second 3-pointer to put the Clippers ahead 66-57, Minnesota went on a 12-0 run to grab the lead at 69-68 with 7:21 left in the third quarter and led 84-78 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Clippers failed to capitalize offensively, coming up empty on their final seven possessions of the quarter, which allowed the Timberwolves to take over and open their own 22-point lead.
