Timberwolves shine in clutch moments to defeat Celtics
The Minnesota Timberwolves faced a familiar foe on Saturday afternoon at the Target Center in Minneapolis: the specter of late-game collapse. With a 12-point advantage evaporating in the final minutes, the Wolves managed to pull off a thrilling 119-115 victory over the Boston Celtics, breaking a troubling trend of late-game meltdowns that had plagued them in recent outings.
Late-game drama unfolds
Having previously faltered in close contests against the Suns, Kings, and Thunder, the Timberwolves found themselves in another precarious situation. With just 3:33 remaining in the game, Minnesota held a comfortable 110-98 lead. However, the Celtics orchestrated a stunning 12-0 run, tying the game at 110-110 with 1:38 left on the clock. During this tense stretch, the Timberwolves struggled, turning the ball over and missing four consecutive three-point attempts from various players, including Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Anthony Edwards.
Yet, in a pivotal moment, Rudy Gobert secured an offensive rebound after Edwards’ miss, allowing Mike Conley to regain momentum for Minnesota with a clutch three-pointer. Conley’s shot not only halted Boston’s surge but also set the stage for Edwards to seal the game. With just 14 seconds remaining, Edwards delivered the dagger three, pushing the Wolves to a 118-112 lead.
Key performances drive the win
This victory marked a significant milestone for the Timberwolves, as it was their first win against a team with a winning record this season, improving their record to 11-8 while the Celtics fell to 10-9. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with an impressive 41 points, but it was Edwards who shined brightest for Minnesota. He poured in 39 points on just 24 shots, showcasing his efficiency with 5 of 11 from beyond the arc and a perfect 10 of 11 from the free-throw line.
Supporting Edwards, Randle contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while DiVincenzo added 15 points. Gobert and Reid chipped in with 12 and 10 points, respectively, and Terrence Shannon Jr. also reached double figures with 10 points. As a team, the Wolves showcased their shooting prowess, hitting 21 of 48 three-point attempts. Edwards led the way with five threes, while DiVincenzo added four, and Randle connected on three.
Looking ahead
After an exhilarating victory, the Timberwolves will catch some rest Saturday night before facing the San Antonio Spurs, who boast a strong 13-5 record, on Sunday at 6 p.m. Minnesota has struggled in back-to-back games this season, holding a 1-2 record, with both losses coming against the formidable Nuggets. However, with this win over the Celtics, the Timberwolves displayed resilience and the potential to overcome their late-game challenges as they continue to navigate the season ahead.
