Los Angeles, CA (My Sportsbook) - Al Jefferson scored 20 points and equaled a season-high by grabbing 17 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves never trailed and held off the Los Angeles Clippers, 94-86, at Staples Center.

Craig Smith turned in a solid effort with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Randy Foye chipped in with 17 points and four assists for Minnesota, which has won four straight road games and seven of their last eight overall.

Ryan Gomes contributed 14 points and five boards in the win.

Eric Gordon led all scorers with 25 points and Steve Novak had a career-high 18 for the Clippers, who were unable to feed off a 101-92 win over Milwaukee on Saturday, a victory that snapped LA's 12-game losing skid.

Al Thornton donated 12 points and nine rebounds, while Brian Skinner had eight points and eight rebounds. DeAndre Jordan had eight points and 10 boards in defeat.

With the Timberwolves holding a 47-36 lead after one half, the Clippers were able to whittle the deficit to three after a Gordon three-ball with 8:02 left in the third. However, a slam by Smith and driving layup from Gomes quickly pushed the Minnesota lead to 56-49 and the T-Wolves would lead 71-64 after three quarters.

In the fourth, Minnesota continued to play the front-runner, though by the slimmest of margins. With the Timberwolves ahead by six at 88-82 with 3:59 to play, Skinner's tip in and Jordan's layup got the Clippers to within two with 1:22 left.

Jefferson responded with a three-point play with 55 ticks remaining to stretch the visitors' edge to 91-86 and LA was unable to get any closer.

"I was pleased with our effort," said Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy. "We played hard and kept coming back. I was disappointed at times with the mistakes we made, but from an effort standpoint we got some contributions from different guys."

Minnesota jumped out to a quick 21-8 start and held 26-16 edge after the opening quarter. The Clippers were able to cut their deficit to three at 37-34 after a Gordon layup with 4:04 left in the half. But a 10-2 burst put the Timberwolves in front by 11 at the break.

"This was a good game," said Minnesota head coach Kevin McHale. "We had that big start, but they came back, then we fought it off. Another workman-like game for us."

Game Notes

Minnesota ends its three-game road trip on Tuesday night at Utah, while the Clippers host the Lakers on Wednesday...LA dropped to a miserable 4-17 at home this season...The Timberwolves have won four of the last five against the Clippers.