The Boston Celtics continued their dominant performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, extending their winning streak to 18 consecutive home games at TD Garden. In a tightly contested match on Sunday afternoon, the Celtics emerged victorious with a score of 107-105, resisting a determined comeback attempt from the Timberwolves, who fell behind by as much as 19 points.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with his impressive 26-point contribution, while Jaylen Brown made a significant impact early in the game by sinking his first five 3-point attempts. The Timberwolves were powered by Anthony Edwards, who scored 28 points, and Rudy Gobert, who dominated the boards with 20 rebounds.
As the game drew to a close, the Celtics relied on a crucial defensive play from Brown. With time running out, he effectively contested Edwards’ drive to the hoop, forcing a pass to Jaden McDaniels. McDaniels then delivered the ball to Nas Reid at the top of the key, but Reid’s three-pointer at the buzzer fell short, securing the Celtics’ win.
Remarkably, the Timberwolves have not claimed victory in Boston since March 6, 2005, when Kevin Garnett led the team to a narrow two-point win. That game featured a thrilling performance from Garnett, who finished just one assist shy of a triple-double. Both Garnett and Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell were pivotal figures during that matchup, which has since become a distant memory for Timberwolves fans.
The Celtics have a history of edging out Minnesota in closely contested games at home, with several matches decided by narrow margins. Notably, they managed to triumph in overtime last January and in April 2021, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will host the Celtics again on January 2, providing an opportunity for Minnesota to break their lengthy losing streak in Boston.
This ongoing rivalry illustrates the competitive spirit and historic context of NBA matchups, as both teams strive to enhance their standing through these thrilling encounters.
In summary, the Celtics continue to establish their stronghold over the Timberwolves, demonstrating resilience and teamwork in their latest victory. Fans can look forward to the upcoming rematch, which could provide Minnesota an opportunity to turn the tide.