The Los Angeles Clippers opened their NBA Summer League campaign with a high-octane 128–120 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 18, 2026, in Las Vegas. The contest featured plenty of fast‑break action, three‑point shooting, and a glimpse at several prospects hoping to earn roster spots for the coming season.

Game overview

Both teams came out running from the opening tip, trading baskets in a free‑flowing first quarter that ended with the Clippers holding a slim 34–32 lead. The pace only accelerated in the second period, as Los Angeles used a 15–2 run midway through to open a double‑digit advantage. Minnesota answered with a flurry of threes late in the half, cutting the deficit to 66–60 at the break.

The Clippers maintained control in the third quarter, pushing the lead as high as 18 points behind an aggressive attack on the rim. The Timberwolves, however, refused to fold, closing the quarter on a 10–2 spurt to trail 98–90 heading into the final frame. Minnesota trimmed the margin to four points with five minutes remaining, but Los Angeles responded with timely baskets and clutch free‑throw shooting to seal the win.

Key performers

• Clippers guard Kobe Brown – The second‑year pro led all scorers with 28 points on 10‑of‑16 shooting, including 4‑of‑7 from three‑point range. He also dished out six assists and grabbed five rebounds, showing the versatility the Clippers hope will translate to the regular season.
• Clippers forward Jordan Miller – Added 22 points and eight rebounds, consistently finishing through contact in the paint. His energy on the offensive glass created second‑chance opportunities that proved crucial.
• Timberwolves rookie guard Rob Dillingham – The first‑round pick flashed his quickness and scoring touch, pouring in 26 points and adding seven assists. His shifty dribble drives kept the Clippers defense off‑balance for much of the night.
• Timberwolves forward Leonard Miller – Contributed a double‑double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, displaying improved floor‑spacing and defensive awareness.

Tactical story

Los Angeles leaned heavily on pick‑and‑roll actions to generate open looks, especially from the corners. Their ball movement was crisp, recording 31 assists on 47 made field goals. Defensively, the Clippers switched most screens, daring Minnesota to beat them one‑on‑one, which worked for long stretches until the Timberwolves’ guards found gaps in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota, meanwhile, struggled to contain dribble penetration in the first half but adjusted in the third quarter by going to a zone defense. That shift forced Los Angeles into a few turnovers but ultimately could not slow down the Clippers’ inside‑out scoring.

Implications

For the Clippers, this win provides early momentum in the Summer League tournament and valuable reps for their developmental roster. Coach Brian Shaw praised the team’s composure down the stretch: “We executed our sets, got stops when we needed them, and showed real growth from last week’s practices.”

The Timberwolves, despite the loss, saw encouraging signs from their young core. Dillingham’s playmaking and Miller’s rebounding give the front office optimism about the team’s depth heading into training camp.

Both sides return to action later this week, with Los Angeles facing the Utah Jazz and Minnesota taking on the Sacramento Kings.