The Los Angeles Clippers significantly altered their roster when they traded away James Harden and Ivica Zubac before the trade deadline, dismantling a roster that had just turned a season around after being 6-21. Even though the roster still has Kawhi Leonard, there's no denying that things changed drastically.

However, in their first game after the deadline, they defeated the Sacramento Kings 114-111, riding that momentum into Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Looking to get closer to .500 and firmly establish themselves in the playoff mix, the Clippers still put it all out on the court.

Despite the Timberwolves having a fully healthy starting lineup and having their top bench players, it didn't matter, as Kawhi Leonard's 41 points led the way for a Clippers' 115-96 victory on Sunday. It was yet another 20+ point performance from Leonard, who hasn't scored less than 20 since November 25th, back in NBA Cup Group Play.

The Clippers also got some help off the bench from rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who had 15 points and six rebounds in just 17 minutes of action, outplaying both of Minnesota's stellar centers.

A team that many thought would lack identity after their trades, head coach Tyronn Lue said the team is still focusing on one plan.

"Yeah, direction, like you said, play hard and win. That's the only direction we can go. Just tonight with our defensive mindset, I thought KD [Kris Dunn] and DJ [Derrick Jones Jr.] were phenomenal to start the game...but just those two guys taking responsibility of having to guard Anthony Edwards," Lue said.

The Clippers had 11 steals as a team, headlined by four from Leonard and three from Derrick Jones Jr. They also had six blocks, with three players recording at least one block and one steal. Even though the Timberwolves have top-end offensive options in Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, the Clippers were prepared.

"Defensively, they blitzed at the tone and then, offensively, we shared the ball, made quick decisions and made the right look," he added.

With the trade set to be finalized shortly between the Clippers and Pacers, both Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson should be making their debuts for LA when they travel to Houston on Tuesday for a back-to-back before the All-Star break begins.

Mathurin should add some much-needed scoring punch to this team, as the Clippers can rely on Leonard to carry them every night. Furthermore, Darius Garland's return after the break should help with that as well, with Mathurin and Garland both likely to see 10 or more shots per game.