The Boston Celtics secured their 18th consecutive home victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a narrow 107-105 win on Sunday. This impressive streak highlights the Celtics’ dominance at TD Garden against Minnesota, a trend that has stood since 2005, when Kevin Garnett led the Timberwolves to their last win in Boston.
Despite the Celtics building a significant lead of 19 points, the Timberwolves made a determined effort to bridge the gap. Anthony Edwards stood out for Minnesota, contributing 28 points, while Rudy Gobert was a force on the boards, grabbing 20 rebounds. Notably, Jaylen Brown had a strong start, making his first five 3-point attempts of the game.
As the game drew to a close, the Timberwolves sought to level the score. Edwards, attempting to drive to the basket, passed the ball to Jaden McDaniels, and then to Nas Reid at the top of the key. Reid’s last-minute 3-point shot fell short, clipping the rim as time expired, sealing the Celtics’ victory.
Brown spoke about the defensive strategy on the final play, recounting how he switched his assignment during a critical moment to thwart Edwards’ attempt. This determination on defense was key, as Brown noted he was positioned to challenge any potential score by Edwards.
The Timberwolves last defeated the Celtics in Boston over 18 years ago, a game in which Garnett almost recorded a triple-double. Since then, although many encounters have been closely contested – including two overtime games – the Celtics have consistently found a way to triumph at home against Minnesota.
The Timberwolves will look to turn the tide in their favor when they host the Celtics at the Target Center on January 2, 2024.
As Boston continues to outperform its rivals at home, fans can remain hopeful that this season will see further opportunities for exciting matchups and strong performances on both sides of the court. The ongoing rivalry promises thrilling games ahead.