The Los Angeles Clippers could not turn Darius Garland’s scoring or Rui Hachimura’s return into a much-needed victory Friday.

Garland finished with 24 points, but the Clippers struggled to contain Minnesota’s balanced offense in a 127-101 loss at Target Center. Los Angeles dropped its fourth consecutive game, falling to 1-4 and opening NBA Cup group play with a defeat.

Hachimura scored 12 points in 26 minutes after missing Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers with a quadriceps injury. Brook Lopez added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, while rookie Keaton Wagler finished with 12 points.

Those contributions were not enough against a Minnesota team that repeatedly found opportunities inside and produced productive performances from several ball handlers.

The Timberwolves outscored Los Angeles 62-42 in the paint, creating a substantial advantage near the basket despite playing without Anthony Edwards.

Jaden McDaniels was particularly effective, scoring 23 points on 11-for-15 shooting while adding six rebounds and seven assists. LaMelo Ball finished with 24 points and seven assists, giving Minnesota another player capable of scoring and setting up teammates.

Rudy Gobert contributed nine points, 13 rebounds and four assists. His passing helped Minnesota continue possessions when the Clippers’ defense shifted toward him.

“I thought he made all the right plays when the ball came his way,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said afterward.

For Los Angeles, the difficulty extended beyond defending the initial action. Minnesota had multiple players who could make the next pass, forcing the Clippers to keep rotating and account for threats around the basket.

McDaniels also credited Gobert’s decisions.

“He was patient, he made his reads, and he made the right passes,” McDaniels said.

Garland shot 10 of 22 from the field, providing the Clippers with their most consistent source of scoring. However, Los Angeles could not match Minnesota’s production throughout the lineup.

Wagler reached double figures but finished 2 of 11 from the floor. Hachimura’s return restored an offensive option to the starting lineup, though the Clippers remained without injured newcomers Brandon Ingram and Max Strus.

Their absences have reduced the options available to coach Tyronn Lue as Los Angeles works through its difficult opening stretch.

Minnesota also received 19 points and eight assists from reserve guard Bones Hyland. His production gave the Timberwolves another creator when they went to their bench, adding to the pressure on a Clippers defense already trying to manage Ball and McDaniels.

Los Angeles committed 17 turnovers, further limiting its opportunities to keep pace.

The Clippers allowed 34 points in the first quarter and 35 in the second, entering halftime behind 69-56.

That start left Los Angeles needing a sustained defensive improvement after the break. Instead, Minnesota maintained its advantage and pulled away in the fourth quarter, with Ball making three 3-pointers.

The defeat followed Wednesday’s 103-87 loss to the Lakers, giving the Clippers consecutive games in which they struggled to generate enough offense to compensate for their mistakes.

Friday’s problems were especially pronounced inside. Even with Garland scoring efficiently enough to lead the offense, Los Angeles could not overcome the combination of turnovers, Minnesota’s passing and the gap in paint production.

The Clippers now head into their next matchup still searching for their first victory since opening night.