Celtics 85 (51-21) - Timberwolves 82 (17-57) | Target Center
MENZIE HENDERSON
Wolves Writer
How it happened:
The Minnesota Timberwolves fell 85-82 after a valiant Wolves rally was stopped short by Paul Pierce and the Celtics on Sunday night at Target Center.
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Without injured Kevin Love and Anthony Randolph glued to the bench in foul trouble, the Wolves desperately lacked the firepower early needed to compete with the defending Eastern Conference champions. Randolph, who averaged 27.5 points and 13 rebounds over the previous two games, picked up three personals and played just four minutes in the first half.
Boston took advantage quickly behind a balanced scoring attack and a stifling defense that ranks at the top of the league. The Celtics gained a huge advantage and looked to have complete control after a 17-0 run brought the commanding Boston lead to 32-13 after one.
After the dismal opening quarter, the Wolves neglected to let the deficit hinder the game plan. The Wolves used the second and third quarters to claw its way back into the contest with hustle plays and strong offensive execution.
As the Timberwolves chipped away at the lead, Boston's offense started to stall. The Celtics were without Rajon Rondo, who did not play tonight due to a jammed finger. While Delonte West filled in well, Boston clearly missed Rondo's playmaking ability of penetration and passing.
With a Darko Milicic lay-up assisted by Luke Ridnour, the Wolves gained its first lead of the game with 7:13 remaining. From this point on, it was the battle between Michael Beasley and Paul Pierce. While Beasley looked to take control by scoring off the dribble, Pierce drilled multiple clutch buckets of his own to show why he is considered a top closer in the league. With 19.2 seconds left, Pierce was sent to the line and the All-Star calmly knocked down both. The free-throws extended the Celtics lead to 83-78, ending the chance of an upset.
Leader of the Pack:
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Notable Performance:
With Anthony Randolph battling foul trouble, the Wolves resorted to Anthony Tolliver to step in at the forward spot. Tolliver’s performance was impressive tonight, scoring 16 points and hitting several big shots during key moments of the game. Tolliver held his own in the paint against Boston’s big men by hauling in 15 rebounds and playing solid defense with four blocked shots.
Highlight to Remember:
A huge alley-oop from Luke Ridnour to Wesley Johnson on a backdoor cut provided a spark that lit a fire of momentum for the Wolves. The electrifying slam helped fuel a game-changing 13-2 third quarter run.
Looking Ahead:
The Timberwolves face a tough schedule ahead at home with the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday and the Miami Heat on Friday night. The strong effort tonight against Boston proves the Wolves are capable of upsetting any of the top teams in the league.
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